MTP 476: One More Festival: Looking Ahead to Disney in 2026
Monorail Tales: A Disney Fan Podcast
Release Date: 01/17/2026
Monorail Tales: A Disney Fan Podcast
Join us as Steve and Sheila open this episode by announcing that longtime guest Thomas Lloyd is now officially a co-host of the Monorail Tales Podcast! In his first episode as co-host, Thomas shares details from a recent 3-night Disney cruise he took with his mom, Chris Lloyd, aboard the Disney Wish. He talks about the food, entertainment, and time spent exploring Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Later in the show, Chris briefly joins Thomas to share even more tips and insights from their sailing. To close out the episode, Thomas gives us an update on future Disney park visits he has...
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Join us as Sheila welcomes first-time guest Amy Pedraja to the show. Amy shares how she was selected for the Disney College Program and walks us through the application process and training she experienced before becoming a Cast Member working on the Disney Skyliner. Along the way, she tells us about one very special and emotional moment during “Traditions,” when members of Disney’s upper management surprised her with a deeply personal and heartfelt gift. Amy talks about what it was like working as a Skyliner Cast Member, some of the memorable interactions she had with guests, and even...
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Join us Sheila welcomes special first-time guest Krysta Lemm to the show to talk about a recent vacation she took to France with her husband, their two children, and her parents. The first part of the trip was spent in Normandy, France, where they visited several World War II historical sites, including Omaha Beach, before moving on to Paris and Disneyland Paris. Krysta shares what it was like navigating France with a rental car, as well as using public transportation while staying in Paris. Along the way, she offers plenty of helpful tips and advice for anyone planning a trip to Disneyland...
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Join us as Bill, Sheila, and Steve fire up the streaming queue and dive into everything coming to Disney+ in May 2026… because it’s gonna be May 🎤😄 From fresh premieres to returning favorites, the crew breaks down what’s worth watching, what might surprise you, and what you can probably save for a rainy day (or a post-park nap). Whether you're planning your next binge night or just want to stay in the loop on all things Disney+, this episode has you covered as we say goodbye to spring and start setting our sights on those long, sunny summer days ahead ☀️🍿 Before you...
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Love is in the air as Sheila welcomes her special first-time guest, Maura Fowler, who will be getting married at Walt Disney World in February of next year. Maura shares how she met her future husband, Chris, how they got engaged at EPCOT, and what the process of planning a Disney wedding really looks like. There are plenty of heartwarming moments throughout this episode, along with some great advice if you’re thinking about getting married or renewing your vows at Disney. To close out the show, Maura shares what her new surname will be once she’s married—and let’s just say it has a...
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Join us as Luis and Ric meet up for a chat about the current Marvel TV shows-Wonder Man and Daredevil-Born Again. They also discuss the new trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and other things on the horizon. We discuss what we have been watching lately-spoiler alert-some of it isn't Marvel! GASP! Before you continue on your next heroic adventure—whether you're swinging through the city, defending Hell’s Kitchen, or just assembling your next Disney+ watchlist—we would love to hear from you. Visit to leave us a message and share your own Marvel moments. To keep the multiverse of...
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Join us as Sheila welcomes first-time guest Kent Womack. Kent shares his thoughts and opinions on his experiences at Walt Disney World—not only as a child, but now as a parent with two children of his own. Listen in as he talks about how he plans his trips, how he makes the most of his time in the parks, and so much more. To close out the show, Sheila and Kent chat about his podcast, Fanatically Speaking. If you’d like to contact Kent or listen to his show, click the links below. Before you step out into your next springtime Disney adventure, we would love to hear from you....
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Join us as Steve and Sheila welcome their special guest, Remington Keyes, to talk about his many roles in life. Not only is he an author, actor, producer, and podcaster, but he’s also someone who loves Disney. Listen in as he shares what it was like writing his books for children, including The Eternal Frost, and the time when he was pitching pilot shows to the Disney company. To close out the show, Remington shares his Disney side with us. Remington’s books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble bookstores, and at Walmart. Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we would...
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Join us as the madness reaches its boiling point! 🏀🔥🍽️ Ric, Gary, Steve, and Matt hit the court one last time—and in a game-time twist, Sheila subs in for Patrick! 💥🎙️ No timeouts, no second chances… just win or go home dining decisions as we power through the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four, and Championship! 🏆 The bracket has been battered, fried, and flipped upside down—and only the strongest survived Round 1. Heavy hitters like California Grill, Grand Floridian Café, Biergarten, and Sanaa have punched their tickets to the next rounds… but the pressure is ON....
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Join us as Patrick, Gary, Steve, and Ric are joined by Gary’s brother Matt for a high-stakes, flavor-packed showdown you didn’t know you needed… it’s Disney Dining March Madness: Round 1! 🏀🍽️🔥 We’re filling out the brackets, breaking down the matchups, and bringing the heat as iconic eats go head-to-head! From the coastal charm of Sebastian’s Bistro 🌴 to the classic elegance of Grand Floridian Café ☕, the West Coast flair of Carthay Circle Restaurant 🎬, and the lively Irish vibes of Raglan Road 🍀—no plate is safe and no pick is easy! Expect bold takes,...
info_outlineIn this episode, Patrick, Ric, Sheila, and Steve gather around the table to look ahead at what Disney might, should, and hopefully will bring us in 2026. From park changes and pipe dreams to wish-list ideas that may or may not be wildly optimistic, this episode is packed with our predictions and plenty of laughs.
We’re also joined by the voices of Al and Luis, who submitted their own predictions and ideas, adding even more perspective to an already lively conversation.
And because no episode would be complete without a little extra flair, we also hear about the legendary “Summer Festival of Ric” at EPCOT—a festival concept no one asked for, but everyone somehow needed.
Whether you love speculating about Disney’s future or just enjoy great round-table Disney conversations, this episode is your crystal ball into 2026.
Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we’d love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your predictions, wishes, or even your own ideas for what Disney might bring in 2026.
To keep the festival atmosphere going long after this episode ends, you can stroll on over to www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community—where the conversation flows like an EPCOT festival booth line on opening day.
For even more Disney discussions and behind-the-scenes fun, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. And if you’ve got a show idea or would like to join us as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your voice could be the next stop on our festival route.
And if you’re dreaming about planning your own Disney adventure—whether it’s in 2026 or sooner—be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for great deals on resale contracts and rentals.
From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for wandering the festival with us. May your days be filled with big ideas, bold predictions, and just a little extra pixie dust—because EPCOT can always use one more festival.