Magic Our Way Podcast

06/01/2026

We all hate silence, but how many times a day do we unlock our phones? Disney isn't the first to use facial recognition. My biggest fear is ticket prices becoming so high that I can never experience new rides like the Avengers one. This is the only Marvel land in the US – please don't take it away!

05/31/2026

Would you use facial recognition for instant park entry, automatic PhotoPass, and personalized experiences? Our images are already online everywhere, so is this a logical next step for convenience, or a privacy concern?

05/30/2026

Remember the Disney Store? It was an emotional ecosystem, a place filled with wonder. From the movies playing to the stuffed animals and even the books, it created a magical experience for so many of us. Will the new Disney Store Limited time measure up?

05/29/2026

Could Universal be testing a system where you enter Celestial Park without a full Epic Universe ticket? Imagine accessing restaurants and shops in the central hub area without buying a park admission. It's an interesting idea, but could it break the immersive magic of the park's entrances?

05/28/2026

Disney is now using facial recognition at park entrances to verify tickets. When you first use your ticket, they capture your face, convert it into a unique digital identifier, and compare it to live scans each time you re-enter. This is sparking national conversations about surveillance and privacy.

05/27/2026

Disney Facial Recognition, Epic Universe & the Return of Disney Stores | MOW #630

This week on The Queue, the crew accidentally uncovers a fascinating question about the future of themed entertainment.

First, Disney faces a new lawsuit over facial recognition technology at Disneyland, sparking debate over privacy, convenience, biometric data, and whether theme parks are becoming too dependent on surveillance technology.

Then, we dive into Universal’s Epic Universe one-year anniversary and the surprising new “Open Hub” concept that could completely change how theme parks operate in the future. Is Universal quietly building the first true next-generation theme park?

Finally, Disney quietly launches new “Disney Store Limited Time” retail locations in malls across America — and fans are unexpectedly emotional about it. Did Disney underestimate how important physical Disney Stores were to fandom and nostalgia?

Along the way, the crew discusses:
• facial recognition in theme parks
• Epic Universe expansion and innovation
• Disney vs Universal philosophy
• the future of immersive entertainment
• mall nostalgia
• Disney Store memories
• technology vs emotional connection
• and what fans REALLY want from themed entertainment in 2026.

Join the conversation and let us know: Would you trade privacy for convenience in the parks? Has Epic Universe changed the industry? And do you miss Disney Stores? Civil discussions encouraged. Email us at [email protected], call or text 815-MOWICAN (669-4226), or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #630.

Magic Our Way — Where Every Opinion Is Welcome.

This week on The Queue, the crew accidentally uncovers a fascinatin...

05/26/2026

Imagine a Chinese restaurant styled after Club Obi-Wan in the second movie. It's a unique concept not seen often, despite the popularity of places like 9 Dragons at Epcot. It would fit perfectly with the old Hollywood vibe.

05/25/2026

The biggest mystery isn't the permits; it's Disney's sudden, heavy investment in Indiana Jones. Why now? It's a question many are asking, and the answer remains elusive.