851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo
WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!
Lou Mongello - Disney Expert
4.8 • 3.2K Ratings
🗓️ 15 December 2025
⏱️ 56 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo
What is D23 today - and what will it become in the years ahead?
This week, Lou Mongello is joined by Michael Vargo, Head of Disney’s D23, for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of D23, the future of Disney fandom, and what fans can expect in 2026 and beyond. From the return of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim to expanded global experiences, digital storytelling, milestone celebrations, and unprecedented access behind the scenes, this episode explores how D23 continues to bring Disney fans closer to the magic - and to each other.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | You are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last. |
| 0:16.6 | We need an energy boost. |
| 0:22.3 | The brain. |
| 0:22.9 | It works on electrical impulse. |
| 0:24.3 | How do we get there? |
| 0:25.2 | W. |
| 0:26.7 | VW Radio. |
| 0:28.7 | Your information station. |
| 0:33.2 | What is D23? |
| 0:35.7 | And what is it becoming? |
| 0:42.6 | This week, I'm joined by Michael Vargo, the head of Disney's D23, to talk about how Disney is rethinking fan experiences, evolving, expanding access, and quietly reshaping what it means |
| 0:49.1 | to be part of the Disney community in 2026 and beyond. |
| 0:53.1 | And let's just say, there's also an unexpected moment in this conversation that made |
| 0:57.6 | it especially meaningful, not just for me, but for you as well. |
| 1:01.7 | Hello, my friend, and welcome to WW Radio, your guide to the Disney Parks and Experiences |
| 1:06.5 | Around the World. |
| 1:07.8 | I am Lou Mangelo, and this is show number 851, and whether it is your first time listening or you've been with me since the very beginning, thank you for being here. Welcome home. Don't forget to be part of the commuter named conversation over in the clubhouse at www.com slash clubhouse, watch and chat this and every Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. Eastern for WWW.O. Live on Facebook and |
| 1:29.1 | YouTube and get a little dose of Disney updates in your inbox every week and a free gift when you |
| 1:34.5 | subscribe by signing up for my newsletter over at www.O.com slash newsletter. And when you're ready to plan |
| 1:40.6 | your next Disney vacation, visit my friends over at mousefantravel.com. |
| 1:45.2 | They have completely free expert planning from the team that I have relied on, and more |
| 1:49.2 | importantly trusted for more than 18 years, not just to make my family's trips special, |
... |
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