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Your Guide to Disney Parks & Experiences

Hello, my friend!

I hope you are enjoying and/or getting ready for the (hectic!) holiday season! It really IS the most wonderful time of the year... not because of the presents or the food (OK, maybe a little bit of the food!), but the sense of togetherness, joy, and connection - the same feeling I get every time I sit down to write this knowing it’s going directly to you.

🎁 What are you doing for the holidays? Staying home? Visiting family or friends? Traveling? What is your favorite holiday tradition? Really? I want to know! Reply to this email... I promise I'll read it!

I hope you've been enjoying the podcast, including our last couple of fun episodes:

• D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo - WDW Radio #851
• Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful Advice - WDW Radio #850
• My Five Overlooked Dining Spots in Walt Disney World - WDW Radio #849

Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel and I had a LOT of fun answering your emails, and Michael Vargo shared some very interesting... and exclusive... news during our conversation! Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, your favorite podcast app, or on the WDW Radio site.

💙 Join me at the Walk for Wishes! 🚶🏻

I’d love to personally invite you to join me as part of the WDW Radio Walking Team for Walk for Wishes, a community walk (it's only 1 mile - you can do it!) that helps grant life-changing wishes for children and families who need them most. Last year’s first walk reminded me how powerful it is when this community comes together with a shared purpose, and that’s why this event means so much to me. We’re doing it again on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, and you can be involved in whatever way works best for you - walk with us, help fundraise, or make a donation. Every step, every dollar, and every bit of support truly matters. Did I mention there's also free food and entertainment?!?! Join or support the team at WDWRadio.com/WalkForWishes26​

Did You See...

• 🕎 The only permanent religious symbol in Disneyland?​
• 🎁 What is the best Disney souvenir you ever brought home?​
• 🏨 You’re going to live in a WDW Resort for the rest of your life. Which are you choosing & why?​
• 🎄 What is your favorite Walt Disney World resort lobby to visit during the holidays?​
• 🎭 Which Disney Cruise Line shows would YOU sail for? (and a handy DCL show guide!)​

Speaking of Disney Cruise Line... please join us for our WDW Radio Group Cruise on the Disney Destiny! - We’re sailing together in February, 2026, and I’d love for you to join us! All the details are at: WDWRadio.com/Destiny26​

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?

I'm a New York Giants fan, so please be gentle... it's been a rough decade... but I still LOVE football and the Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 8. You may be asking "What does this have to do with Disney (or me?), Mongello?" - I'm happy you asked! I want to invite YOU to join us for our 🏈 WDW Radio Super Bowl Party 🏈

Join us for a private WDW Radio Super Bowl Party on Sun., Feb, 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM at LuLu’s Bait Shack in Fort Lauderdale. Before we set sail on the Disney Destiny cruise, we’re taking over the entire venue thanks to Mouse Fan Travel - no outside crowds, just great food, the big game on multiple TVs, and the best community anywhere. And yes, non-cruisers are welcome too!

🎟️ $65 per person Includes an all-you-can-enjoy game-day buffet and soft drinks. Cash bar available.
Tickets required in advance. Space is limited.

👉 Get your tickets here: WDWRadioSuperBowl26.eventbrite.com - Come for the game. Stay for the people... and the food. 💙

🎄 Even Santa Has a Favorite Resort… 🎄

When it comes to celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World, even Santa knows where the magic shines brightest. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin brings together incredible dining, stunning décor, unbeatable location, and that perfect mix of Disney magic and holiday comfort. Whether you’re visiting the parks, enjoying seasonal events, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this might just be Santa’s favorite resort! (P.S. Don't forget you can book this... and ANY WDW resort through our friends at Mouse Fan Travel!)

Speaking, Coaching, and Momentum Events

If you or someone you know is looking for a keynote speaker about leveraging lessons from the Disney Parks for an event, conference, corporate workshop, or retreat, I’d be grateful if you shared my name. And as we move into the new year, I have more Momentum events planned for 2026. If you’re ready for 1:1 coaching or want help turning what you love into what you do, you can learn more at: LouMongello.com​

Join Me LIVE This Wednesday at 7:30 pm ET

Wednesday is our 🎄 HOLIDAY EDITION 🎅🏻 of the live show... and who knows... maybe I'll be somewhere in Walt Disney World! It really is my favorite part of what I do... spending time with you. Watch and chat on Facebook or YouTube.

I want to hear from you!

Have any questions for me? Something I can help YOU with? Simply reply to this email - I answer EVERY email and message I get personally. Hit reply and tell me what you’re most excited for during the holidays… or what (or who) you want to hear on the podcast next. And if you have a question or feedback for the podcast, leave me a voicemail at 407-900-9391 and I'll play it on the air!

Join the WDW Radio Nation!

If you’d like to help support the show and be a member of the Nation family with monthly care packages and more, you can join for as little as $1 per month at WDWRadio.com/Support.

Stay tuned...

I’ve got a few new and exciting things in the pipeline that I think you’re really going to enjoy, and I’ll get back to working on those... but I also want to let you get back to what you’re doing, too.

Most of all... THANK YOU!!!

The holiday season always reminds me of something I believe every day… that gratitude should never be limited to a single date on the calendar.

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, all of them, or simply the season itself, this is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate what truly matters. And for me, that always starts with you.

I wake up every morning grateful for the simple gift of another day, and even more thankful that I get to spend those days doing what I love… sharing stories, creating connections, and building this incredible community together. No matter what we may be facing publicly or privately, there is always something good to hold onto. That is why I believe so strongly in choosing the good… because every day gives us that opportunity.

Please know this… I am deeply thankful to and for you. None of what I get to do or share happens without you. Whether we have met in person yet or not, you matter. You are my friend. You make a positive difference, often in ways you may never even realize.

Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your support, and for being part of the WDW Radio family. I appreciate you more than I can say… and I wish you and those you love a holiday season filled with light, warmth, and joy… whatever you celebrate. 💙

Your friend, Lou Mongello

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P.S. Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve this newsletter update? Simply reply to this email and let me know!

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!

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