Your Guide to Disney Parks & Experiences

Hello Reader,

I did something this week I don’t normally do… because so many of you have been asking me about it all week long.

You may have heard (lol)… there is a new rule at Disney Springs. As of June 28th, you can only hop the resort buses and boats from Springs if you are actually staying at a resort or you have a dining reservation.

I've said this for years, and this past week was a perfect example: when Disney changes something… anything… a certain corner of the internet loses its collective marbles. And this time, the thing everyone wanted to yell about was that not-so-quiet little rule change at Springs. And ohhhhh, did they let me hear about it!

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Why Disney Changed the Rules… and a D23 Tease

So this week I did something I very, very rarely do… I took a piece of Wednesday night's live show and turned it into this week's episode, because I really wanted to sit down and talk it through with you. Not the knee-jerk, "they are taking something away" reaction, but the actual why behind it… and why I think it says a lot about how Disney makes decisions... not just this one, but so many of them. So please check out 🎙️ This Week's Episode: WDW Radio #872.

I also get into my take on the new Pirates of the Caribbean animatronic, a little Adventurers Club and Pleasure Island nostalgia (and the real reason I think a place I/we loved closed), Level 99, and yes… a little tease about what is coming from WDW Radio at D23 Exp… I mean, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in (yikes!) just a few weeks!

🎧 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts... and please invite a friend to listen as well!

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💬 Now I really do want to hear from you

Where do YOU land on the Disney Springs change? Are you frustrated by it? Are you cool with it… or are you somewhere in the middle? Let’s talk about it the way this family always does — with a little grace and a lot of love.

Come tell me and let's talk about it (the conversations are already happening... fast!) in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or over on Instagram.

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💭 In Case You Missed It

All this talk about Disney changing things? It reminded me of one more change a lot of us are feeling right now. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed its doors on July 6th, and if you’ve got a lump in your throat about it, you’re not alone. Go back and listen to # 868 — Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: History, Debate & What’s Next. It’s a warm look at why this one matters so much — and why change, done right, was Walt’s whole point.

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🙏🏼 I could use your help…

Since 2014, I've had the honor of being part of Podcast Movement - attending, and getting to speak, keynote, teach, and hopefully help other creators along the way.

This year they're doing something different: half of the 2026 stage lineup will be chosen by public vote. That means you… my family… actually get a say in who takes the stage in New York City this September. I would be truly honored to be back up there representing this community.

If you have a minute, I'd be so grateful for your vote:

1. Click HERE to go to the Podcast Movement voting site.
2. Click any of my submitted sessions and select "Vote for this Idea."

✅ You can vote for both sessions (once each), and voting is open through July 21st. Thank you! I truly wouldn't be here without you.

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📅 Upcoming Events

🏰 WDW Radio LIVE at D23 - August 14-16. This is the tease. Our presence on the show floor is going to be bigger than ever this year, and I could not be more honored (or, honestly, feeling more pressure to earn my spot in that room). If you’re coming to D23, come find the WDW Radio booth! We’ll have live recordings, some genuinely cool giveaways, and a little something I’ve been working on to reveal. Stay tuned... more details soon!

🎃 WDW Radio at Disneyland - October 25-29, 2026. Something special and very limited: tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash with an exclusive VIP area just for our community, plus a private dinner at 21 Royale. Stay tuned - tickets go on sale VERY soon and spots will go fast!

🎯 Momentum Weekend at Walt Disney World - October 15-18, 2026. My annual immersive workshop, held during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (not by accident). Four days, one room, fifty people, a 250+ page workbook, and a leadoff keynote from former Walt Disney World Ambassador Michael Collier. We’re more than 60% sold out and the early bird discount ends soon. Details at LouMongello.com/Momentum.

🚢 WDW Radio Group Cruise to Alaska - May 10-17, 2027. Seven nights on the Disney Wonder, roundtrip from Vancouver (more on that just below).

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💙 Let’s Stay Connected

I share a lot between episodes over on Instagram @LouMongello - live broadcasts, behind-the-scenes, and the little moments that never make it into the show.

And if you’re not in the WDW Radio Clubhouse yet, come on in. It’s our warm corner of Facebook where this community talks Disney every single day. You’re not a listener here - you’re family. I’d love to see you there.

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🚢 We’re going back… to Alaska.

Seven nights aboard my favorite ship... and itinerary... the Disney Wonder, May 10-17, 2027, roundtrip from Vancouver. Glaciers, humpback whales, the gold-rush history of Skagway, the totem poles of Ketchikan - and this time, an optional post-cruise train trip for anyone who wants to keep the adventure going. All of it wrapped in the magic only the Disney Wonder delivers, experienced together, as a family.

Joining our group costs you nothing extra, and the sooner you book, the lower your rate. Space is limited!

🏔️ Get your free, no-obligation quote from Mouse Fan Travel at WDWRadio.com/Alaska2027​

I’ll see you in Alaska!

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🧳 Planning a trip of your own?

Whether it's Alaska, a week in the parks, or somewhere brand new, my friends and official travel partner at Mouse Fan Travel take care of all of it... expert, personalized Disney planning at no extra cost to you. They're the same team I trust with our group trips (and my family's!), so you're in wonderful hands. Tell them Lou sent you.

Thanks, as always, for being part of the WDW Radio family. Remember to choose the good, be kind, and stay hungry.

See ya real soon,

Lou

P.S. If WDW Radio has ever made your day a little better, your Disney trip a little more magical, or simply made you feel like part of something special - would you take 30 seconds and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It means more than you know, it helps new people find the show

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