Enchanted Ears: A Disney Adults Podcast

What does immersive entertainment actually mean — and why does it feel like the future of theme parks? This week, we’re joined by Sage Starkey to talk about storytelling, guest agency, themed entertainment, and what it takes to make audiences feel like they truly belong inside a world. From experiences like Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to interactive theater, live performance, and projects like The Good Neighbor Game, Sage helps us understand how immersive experiences are built from the ground up — and why the guest is such an important part of the story. In this episode, we cover: What immersive entertainment really means How creators plan for unpredictable guest behavior The balance between freedom, play, and a defined narrative What Galactic Starcruiser taught us about interactive storytelling Why immersive entertainment may only be getting started If you love Disney parks, themed entertainment, the Starcruiser, or the future of storytelling, this conversation is a fascinating look at where experiences could go next. Help us reach our goal of raising $4,000 for Give Kids the World Village by donating here. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube -Patreon Get your Enchanted Ears merch now Timestamps The World of Immersive Entertainment with Sage Starkey 00:00 Give Kids the World Fundraiser 01:43 What is Immersive Entertainment? 04:00 How to Be More Engaged in Conversations 10:10 How Sage Got Into Themed Entertainment 13:15 Developing the Galactic Starcruiser 17:06 How Much Ownership Did the Cast Have on the Characters? 23:47 The Struggle of Getting Out of Character 27:59 How to Guide the Guests in Immersive Experiences 34:31 You Don’t Know What You Have Until It’s Gone 37:50 How Did Sage Remember Hundreds of People’s Names? 41:00 Good Neighbor Game 43:10 The Future of Themed Entertainment 47:46 The IP ASKING to Be Turned Into an Immersive Experience 51:20 Sage’s Parks Favorites 56:34 Sage’s Favorite AllEars Video 58:07 Did We Just Become Best Friends? 1:00:08 Follow Sage on Social Media 1:03:57

We're officially kicking off the countdown to Episode 400! Over the next few weeks, we'll be celebrating with some incredible guests and special episodes, but first, we're launching something even more important—our fundraiser for Give Kids The World Village. Give Kids The World is an amazing nonprofit that provides cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families, creating memories that last a lifetime. Our goal is to raise $4,000 over the next month, and we would love your help. In this episode, we cover: Why we chose Give Kids The World Village How the charity helps families in need Details on our Episode 400 fundraiser Ways you can support the cause Information about our charity auction and special events No amount is too small, and every donation helps spread a little more magic. For complete details, visit: enchantedears.com/400 Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube -Patreon Get your Enchanted Ears merch now Timestamps Where Did the Past 400 Episodes Go? 00:00 Give Kids The World Fundraiser 01:25 What’s is Give Kids The World? 03:05 Help Us Raise $4,000! 08:53 Pick a Topic for a Future Show 10:40 Charity Auction Starts Next Week 12:22 A Chance for YOU to Win! 14:20 Subscribe So You Don't Miss Some Incredible Interviews 15:04

Big news from Disney. This week, Disney announced a historic leadership change: Josh D’Amaro will step into the role of CEO, taking over for Bob Iger, while Dana Walden becomes President and Chief Creative Officer. In this episode, we break down what this announcement means and take a deep dive into both of their career paths—from Josh's early days at Disney to the roles and decisions that led them to the top of one of the most well-known entertainment companies in the world. In this episode you’ll hear: Josh D’Amaro’s rise through Disney Parks and Experiences Dana Walden’s creative leadership across Disney television and film Why this leadership pairing makes sense right now Has Disney learned their lesson with this change? How this change could impact parks, movies, and Disney fans Whether you follow Disney corporate news closely or just want to know what this means for the future of the magic, this episode gives you the full picture. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order. Timestamps Welcome 00:00 Bob Iger’s Finally Done? 00:44 Who are Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden? 03:09 Josh D’Amaro’s Career at Disney 05:54 The Future of Disney is Theme Parks 7:48 Being Disney CEO is a Unique Position 15:21 Dana Walden is a Hit Maker 18:57 Has Disney Learned Their Lesson? 23:59 What Does Disney’s New CEO Need to Change? 31:55 Bob Iger, Disney Legend? 36:49 Impacts to Star Wars and Marvel 37:57

Disney World is famous for its holiday celebrations—from trick-or-treating at Magic Kingdom to snow falling on Main Street. But what about one of the biggest celebrations of all: New Year’s Eve? This year, we traveled to Florida to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World, celebrating with Mickey and Minnie and partying around World Showcase in EPCOT. In this episode, we break down what it’s really like to spend New Year’s Eve at Disney—and whether it’s actually worth it. In this episode you’ll hear: What New Year’s Eve is like at Disney World Celebrating around EPCOT’s World Showcase at midnight Crowd levels, entertainment, and party atmosphere Pros and cons of spending New Year’s Eve in the parks Who this experience is best for—and who should skip it If you’ve ever wondered whether a Disney New Year’s Eve belongs on your bucket list, this episode will help you decide. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order. Timestamps Welcome 00:00 New Years’ Crowds At Disney World are INSANE 01:10 Pirates Adventure at Magic Kingdom 05:52 Battling the Weather 15:19 Special Magic Kingdom Entertainment 17:39 DJ Dance Party at Magic Kingdom 24:30 Celebrating New Years Around the World 28:52 Geo-82 33:11 The Party Starts at EPCOT 37:35 DJs Around World Showcase 45:09 New Years Fireworks Celebration at EPCOT 50:47 Tips for Planning Your New Years Trip to Disney 55:51 Angela Derails the Show 57:45 Would We Go Again? 1:02:26

Today, we’re stepping outside the Disney bubble to experience something truly epic—Universal’s Epic Universe. During our most recent Orlando trip, we took a full day to explore the newest theme park and see how it stacks up against our Disney favorites. And spoiler alert… we were impressed. In this episode, we cover: Our first impressions of Epic Universe 🎢 How the theming compares to Disney The entertainment offerings and overall park atmosphere The standout, top-tier attractions that surprised us most Whether Epic Universe can truly compete with Disney World If you’re a Disney fan curious about what Universal’s newest park brings to the table—or planning an Orlando trip and debating how to split your time—this episode is for you. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order. Timestamps Welcome 00:00 How Much We Spent to Go To Epic Universe 02:51 Our Initial Impressions of Epic Universe 05:33 Super Nintendo World 09:45 How to Train Your Dragon Land 20:12 The Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic 30:12 Dark Universe 38:57 Celestial Park 51:17 Our Favorite Land and Attraction 56:21 Is Express Pass Worth It at Epic Universe? 1:01:45 Tips for Planning Your Next Vacation to Epic Universe 1:08:15

Big news from Disney! This week, Disney dropped major updates about all the new attractions coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, and we’re breaking down everything you can look forward to next year. From flying the Millennium Falcon with Grogu to rocking out with the Muppets, there’s a lot of new magic on the horizon for Disney fans and theme park lovers alike. In this episode, we cover: Every confirmed attraction coming to Disney World in 2026 🎢 What’s next for Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom Our reactions and predictions for how these updates could change the parks Which projects we’re most excited to see come to life It’s an exciting time to be a Disney fan—so grab your Mickey ears and get ready for a sneak peek at the future of the parks! Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order. Timestamps Welcome 00:00 Disney Announced a Lot This Week 00:37 Updates to Frozen Ever After 02:58 Everything New in Spring 2026 05:07 Bluey is Coming to Animal Kingdom?!? 15:34 Muppets Taking Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster 22:36 What Are We Most Excited For? 24:14 Early Predictions for D23 Announcements 31:33 What Are You Most Excited For? 38:30