A large part of my planning for WDW and Disneyland trips comes from staying on top of current announcements and updates going on at the resorts and parks. One way to stay informed on that information is by reading various websites (see the Disney Resources on the right sidebar). Another way is by listening to Disney podcasts. The arena of Disney podcasts is just insanely large. There are more of them than you could possibly listen to in any reasonable time frame. They vary in length, in quality, in focus, in humor, in frequency, in content. I find some of them entertaining. I find some of them helpful. I find some of them to be both. The podcasts I describe and link to here are by no means an exhaustive list of all Disney podcasts, they are simply the ones I’ve found and subscribed to, and listen to on a regular basis.
- The WDW Radio Show. Hosted by Lou Mongello, author of the WDW Trivia Books. WDW Radio is released weekly on Sunday or Monday. It is by far the most professional Disney podcast out there. Also the most informative. It has segments on Disney news and rumors, attraction trivia and history, celebrity guests, games and contests, dining and resort reviews, “Best of the best”, and in-depth analysis of overlooked details. Each show varies in length, generally between one and two hours. If you only have time to listen to one podcast on a regular basis, this is the one to subscribe to.
- WDW Today. Hosted by Matt Hochberg of Studios Central, and features Len Testa of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and TouringPlans.com, Mike Scopa of All Ears, and Mike Newell of Mouse World Radio. It is released three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each show is about 20 minutes long. The Monday and Friday shows focus on a single topic, while the Wednesday show responds to listener email.
- All About The Mouse. Hosted by Jonathan Dichter and Bryan Ripper. Released once a week, on Friday. Each show is roughly an hour and a half long. This is by far the most fun podcast that I listen to. This podcast, while still being informative and helpful, reminds me most of just hanging out with like-minded friends, talking and joking and reminiscing about Disney. They often have very professional segments, frequently involving Disney celebrities, but still manage to sound the most natural and least like a interview or press conference.
- Muppetcast. Hosted by Steve Swanson. Released once a week, each episode roughly an hour long. This podcast focuses not on Disney specifically, but on the works and legacies of Jim Henson and the Jim Henson company. As the Walt Disney Company now owns the most popular and well-known Henson creation, the Muppets, the Muppetcast necessarily talks a great deal about Disney by way of revealing the interactions between the two companies and products.
All of these podcasts, and many many more, can be found on the iTunes Music Store. None of them have any costs to listen or subscribe. I strongly recommend you try them out. And if you listen to any others, please feel free to let me know about them.