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Showing posts with label WDW Radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WDW Radio. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Top 5 Lessons Learned from Walt Disney

WDW Radio Podcast host Lou Mongello joins Ray Keating to hit on lessons learned from Walt Disney for the 800th episode of the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast. 


In "Episode #800: Top Lessons Lou Mongello Learned from Walt Disney," Lou Mongello becomes the first guest interview with Ray Keating on the Daily Dose of Disney podcast. 

Lou and Ray hit on their top 5 lessons that each learned from Walt Disney. Tune in here.


Thursday, September 21, 2023

Interview with WDW Radio's Lou Mongello

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

September 21, 2023

 

If you’re familiar with Disney and podcasting, then you know Lou Mongello, the host of the WDW Radio podcast. Lou not only is a Disney expert, but he leads the way on issues such as entrepreneurship, customer service and relationships, podcasting, and beyond. 

 

Lou graciously was guest on my PRESS CLUB C Podcast to discuss his upcoming Momentum Weekend Workshop, and much more. Here’s the info, and please tune in

 

PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #121: Entrepreneurial Momentum with Lou Mongello – Ray talks with Lou Mongello about his Momentum conference, entrepreneurship, customer service, podcasting, and much more.

 



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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? (Keating is a Disney shareholder.)

 

Support Ray’s Kickstarter Campaign – “7 Exclusive Novels from Ray Keating – Limited-Release Thrillers, Mysteries, Historical Fiction and a Pinch of Science Fiction.” Get started on and/or don’t miss any Pastor Stephen Grant and Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and make sure you’re in on new series. Get all of the information for this Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/raykeatingnovels/7-exclusive-novels-from-ray-keating.   

 

Consider books by Ray Keating, including…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 18 books in the series now.

 

• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon

 

• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.RayKeatingOnline.com

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Joining WDW Radio to Review Connections Eatery

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

November 3, 2022

 

Should you eat at Connections Eatery in EPCOT? Absolutely! 

 

That was the unanimous opinion when I was a guest on Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio Podcast to discuss the food offerings at Connections Eatery at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. I was fortunate to be invited to join Lou, as well as Victoria Nicolette Gist and Claire Casarotto, for the live review. 



It certainly is different going from trying a dish, jotting down notes, pondering the food, and then pulling it together for an article to giving your opinion in the moment right after swallowing. Hopefully, I didn’t talk with my mouth full. I also hope that I made sense, and added some value to the insights offered by Lou, Victoria and Claire. It certainly was great fun doing the podcast with them.

 

I won’t spoil it, but I liked just about everything we tried … and we tried a great deal of food. Tune in at WDW Radio Podcast with Lou Mongello.

 

As Lou put it: “Join me at the table at Connections Eatery in EPCOT’s World Celebration as we review this quick-service location that brings together people and flavors from around the world. Thanks to Victoria Nicolette GistClaire Casarotto from The Great British Mickey Waffle, and Raymond Keating for joining me this week!” And thanks, Lou.

 

Listen here!

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Just published is Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Monday, April 12, 2021

Theme Park Experts To Headline First Ever “Parks Con”

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 12, 2021

 

Have you ever dreamed of grabbing a snack with your favorite theme park vloggers and writers, and just immersing yourself in discussions about your most-loved theme park sights and sounds?  This may be your chance. Round up your family, make yourself comfy on the couch, and unwrap a few Mickey Bars or make a faux Dole Whip, and enjoy listening to the men and women who take theme park fandom to new heights.



More than three dozen top theme park experts will be getting together virtually at the very first “Parks Con” from April 26-April 28, 2021, in what is being billed as “the world’s largest virtual gathering of parks fans, like you.” The event will uncover fun behind-the-scenes stories, share hidden secrets of the parks, delve into the best ride strategies, and help you with planning for your next theme park vacation, including figuring out how to find the best food and drinks.  

 

The three day event will begin at 10 AM (Pacific time) each day, and offer a different panel each day of ten or more of “your favorite theme park experts, superfans, and legendary designers.” Each panelist’s presentation will remain up for 24 hours for viewers to enjoy.  

 

“Parks Con ‘21” is free to watch live, but you can also purchase an all-access pass that will give you advance access to the site; lifetime access on a special membership site so you can watch the presentations whenever you’d like; a limited edition Parks Con ’21 t-shirt; a Parks Con SWAG Pack full of goodies including pins, stickers, and lanyards; and more. An early bird, discounted price of $147 is available until the start of Parks Con, with the price going up to $177 during the event, and a $197 price tag to register after the event has aired.  For a special add-on to the all-access pass, you can also grab the $27 PDF file of all the notes, tips and tricks from 15+ hours of presentations so you don’t have to scramble to take notes of your own as you are listening.

 

Kicking off the event will be Disney Legend Tony Baxter, and the three days of panels will be broken up into “Florida Parks” on Monday, “California Parks” on Tuesday, and “International Parks” on Wednesday.  Other experts appearing at Parks Con include Lou Mongello of WDW Radio; Stephanie and Danny Shuster of WDW Magazine; Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider; and Matt Roseboom of Attractions Magazine, among the more than three dozen panelists. The event will be hosted by Jason Klein, the host of Magical Masterclass.

 

For more information about the event, a complete list of the speakers, and to sign up for your free ticket, go to ParksCon21.com.  You can also purchase the all-access pass at the site. Early registrants will get advance emails with fun sneak peeks and contests to help build excitement for the first ever Parks Con as it gets closer.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Friday, February 12, 2021

Ideas for Romance at Disney World from … Whom?!

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 12, 2021

 

Hey, I get the idea that Walt Disney World is a great place to go to with your significant other, including for some romance. After all, my wife and I did spend our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.

 

But given that Valentine’s Day is upon us, what about some ideas for romantic spots and things to do at Disney World? After all, many of us guys need all the help we can get.



Well, obviously, the two people to turn to for such insights would be WDW Radio podcast host Lou Mongello and his guest, Tim “Bananas” Foster from Celebrations Magazine.

 

Wait. What? Who?

 

No offense to Lou and Tim, but among the many talents of these two Disney experts, being aficionados of all things romantic might seem like a bit of a stretch, to be generous. At least that’s what I thought. But tuning in to Episode #619 of the WDW Radio podcast titled “Top Ten Romantic Places, Spaces, and Things to Do in Walt Disney World,” I was pleasantly surprised.

 

If you’re unaware, these two guys have rocked some great “Top Ten” Disney episodes of this podcast over the years, and they actually ace this one. So, if you’re looking for some good ideas for romantic spots and things to do at Walt Disney World, listen to Lou and Tim.

 

Who would have thought it? Yep, life is full of surprises.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating’s new book Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Talking Age and Entrepreneurship with Disney and Entrepreneurship Expert Lou Mongello

by Ray Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
September 2, 2020

For those of you who do not know him, Lou Mongello ranks as one of the foremost experts on Disney, and he is a leader when it comes to providing advice to and guidance for entrepreneurs. I had the good fortune to interview Lou for my PRESS CLUB C Podcast


We discuss the issue of age and entrepreneurship. Is it too early or too late to dive into the entrepreneurial waters? Is there a perfect age to become an entrepreneur? Lou serves up assorted insights.

Make no mistake, Lou brings optimism, expertise, common sense, wisdom and his own experience to the table when talking about what it takes to become and succeed as an entrepreneur. His enthusiasm and knowledge are evident when Lou is speaking about Disney as well.

Lou is the host and producer of the WDW Radio Podcast, is a Disney author, an adviser and inspiration to entrepreneurs, and a heck of a lot more. Enjoy our conversation.

Oh yeah, and Lou Mongello is just a good guy, and I love talking to him.

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Also, get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

A Fascinating Disney Park That Never Happened and Why

by Ray Keating
Feature Story
DisneyBizJournal.com
July 8, 2020

Recently, I tuned in to an episode of Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio Podcast. If you don’t listen to Lou and are interested in Disney, what the heck is wrong with you? You’re missing out on a great podcast.

Anyway, I was looking at Lou’s recent line-up of episodes to see what I had not yet listened to, and I pulled up “WDW Radio #589 – The Disney-MGM Studio Backlot in Burbank That Never Was.” And I’m sure glad I did. 


Lou and his guest, Kendall Foreman, have a fascinating discussion about a planned Disney park – The Disney-MGM Studios Backlot in Burbank – that never wound up happening. They dig into the plans, the business aspects, and why it never happened. 

This is a fascinating story from a Disney perspective and a business point of view. Thanks, Lou!

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Having Fun with Disney Guru Lou Mongello

by Ray Keating
Feature Story
DisneyBizJournal.com
July 6, 2020

Recently, I not only had the opportunity to chat with Disney guru Lou Mongello, but I had a heck of a lot of fun doing so!


As noted in the show notes to the podcast, “Need some positive stuff right now? Ray did, so he turned to Lou Mongello for an interview about entrepreneurship, opportunity and more, including Disney! Lou and Ray talk about assorted aspects of becoming and being an entrepreneur in tough times and beyond. It’s a positive chat largely focused on opportunity. For good measure, Lou and Ray have a bit too much fun talking about Disney, and playing ‘Tell Me Your Favorites.’”


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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Enjoy a Disney Discussion Doubleheader!

by Ray Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
May 17, 2020

Are you ready for a Disney doubleheader discussion? Ray Keating, publisher and editor of DisneyBizJournal, had the good fortune recently to talk with two big Disney experts – Chris Lucas, author of Top Disney, and Lou Mongello, host the WDW Radio Podcast. Wow!


On the PRESS CLUB C Podcast, enjoy Ray’s discussion with Chris Lucas about his career as an actor, author and Disney expert, as well as Chris’ outlook for Disney amidst the current crisis.


And then kick back and enjoy Ray’s chat with Lou Mongello covering entrepreneurship, opportunity and, of course, Disney stuff.


This is fun made for a relaxing Sunday – or, well, pretty much any other time!

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

The Boathouse Reopening at Disney Springs

by Ray Keating
News/Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
May 16, 2020

After reporting that Disney Springs in Walt Disney World would be reopening on May 20, the next question for me was: Would The Boathouse restaurant be part of that first-day fun? The answer is: Yes!

As announced on May 15 via The Boathouse Facebook page:

“We are thrilled to announce that The Boathouse will be opening with Disney Springs on May 20th at 11am. We will also be opening our Vintage Amphicar rides and The Boathouse Boatique at the same time. We have opened our reservation book and all reservations will be guaranteed inside seating. We will seat the inside dining rooms at a 25% capacity, so reservations will be limited.”

It also was noted, “We have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. With everyone's cooperation we will be able to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.”


Why the excitement? Well, check out my review of The Boathouse – “Restaurant Review: You Must Eat at The Boathouse” – in which I closed out by writing, “The Boathouse now ranks among my favorite restaurants, and not just in Walt Disney World, but among restaurants I’ve experienced across the nation.”

But if you doubt me, then take the word of Lou Mongello, host of the WDW Radio Podcast. Lou, of course, is one of the all-time Disney, Disney food, and food in general experts. Listen to his review of The Boathouse – “WDW Radio Show #448 – Live Review of The Boathouse in Disney Springs.” 

Yes, The Boathouse is another reason to look forward to Disney Springs beginning its reopening on May 20.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Interview with Disney and Entrepreneurship Expert Lou Mongello

In the seventh episode of the PRESS CLUB C Podcast, Ray Keating interviews Lou Mongello - expert on entrepreneurship and all things Disney!


Need some positive stuff right now? Ray did, so he turned to Lou Mongello for an interview about entrepreneurship, opportunity and more, including Disney! Lou and Ray talk about assorted aspects of becoming and being an entrepreneur in tough times and beyond. It’s a positive chat largely focused on opportunity. 

For good measure, Lou and Ray have a bit too much fun talking about Disney, and playing “Tell Me Your Favorites.” To paraphrase what Lou says on his own fabulous WDW Radio Podcast: Sit back, relax, enjoy the conversation, and find out why Lou Mongello has inspired so many.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Walt Disney Quotes About the USA on Independence Day

by Ray Keating
DisneyBizJournal.com
July 4, 2019

I have great admiration for the entrepreneurs who drive the American economy forward. One of the great entrepreneurs of the 20thcentury certainly was Walt Disney. I also admire Lou Mongello, a current-day entrepreneur who launched the WDWRadio Podcast, ranks as a true Disney expert, and also is an author and a social media guru.


On this Fourth of July, I turn to a piece that Lou Mongello wrote several years ago titled “Top 10 Walt Disney Quotes About America.”

Here’s the list of quotes from Walt courtesy of Lou:

  1. “Disneyland would be a world of Americans, past and present, seen through the eyes of my imagination – a place of warmth and nostalgia, of illusion and color and delight.”

  1. “I’ve been selfishly indulging myself as an American… as a United States citizen… enjoying all privileges that one has as a citizen, and it’s only times like this that you sort of wake up to … what it really means to be a citizen.”

  1. “Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and up my spine is glowing this red, white, and blue stripe.”

  1. “I believe that this spiritual and intellectual freedom which we Americans enjoy is our greatest cultural blessing. Therefore, it seems to me, that the first duty of culture is to defend freedom and resist all tyranny.”

  1. “Laughter is America’s most important export.”

  1. “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

  1. “I get red, white, and blue at times.”

  1. “In my view, wholesome pleasure, sport, and recreation are as vital to this nation as productive work and should have a large share in the national budget.”

  1. “In America, we are guaranteed these freedoms. It is the constitutional privilege of every American to become cultured or to grow up like Donald Duck.”

  1. “Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.”

Thanks, Lou! And God bless, America!

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) A new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – is coming very soon. You can pre-order the Kindle edition, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

Friday, May 24, 2019

Disney in Space ... Beyond Star Wars

by Ray Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
May 24, 2019

We all know about the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening in Disneyland on May 31stand in Disney World on August 29, but there’s actually stuff going on in space when it comes Disney that doesn’t include Star Wars. And as communicated in a recent interesting podcast, that has long been the case.

Source: Walt Disney World

First, looking ahead, Disney announced earlier this month that its space-themed, table-service restaurant will be opening in Epcot later this year. The restaurant will be adjacent to the Mission: SPACE attraction, and will, as Disney has put it, “take you into outer space for incredible dining experiences that are ‘out of this world.’” There reportedly will be spectacular views of the Earth from space. The menu will include “more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines and a wide selection of craft beer.”

Second, on his "WDW Radio Podcast," Lou Mongello takes a fascinating look at Walt Disney’s involvement with America’s early space program. This is an informative and entertaining episode. As pointed out in the show notes: “This week, we’ll explore how Walt and his Imagineers worked with Wernher von Braun and used television to help influence public perception of rockets and space travel through his Disneyland TV specials (including some shows that were never made), and contribute in a meaningful way to America’s space program. We’ll also look at how he inspired and impacted many people, including President Eisenhower, as well as Disney’s portrayal of space in feature films and television. We’ll then explore the history of space-themed attractions in Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and current contributions to and with NASA.” Good stuff from WDW Radio, once again.


Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I'm the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

2) Buy one of my Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

3) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.