<p><strong>869 · How Disney Magic Changed Baseball - Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas</strong></p><p><strong>What happens when someone takes Walt Disney's philosophy and applies it far beyond Disney?</strong></p><p>In this episode, I sit down with J<strong>esse Cole</strong>, founder of the <strong>Savannah Bananas</strong> and creator of <strong>Banana Ball</strong>, during their sold-out appearance at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports. What began as a conversation about baseball quickly became something much deeper.</p><p>Jesse shares how Disney shaped him as a child, the unforgettable Typhoon Lagoon experience that still influences his leadership today, and why Walt Disney's principles of innovation, storytelling, attention to detail, and relentless "plussing" have become foundational to Banana Ball's explosive success. We also hear from Disney Sports Vice President Adam Ball about why Banana Ball and Disney make such a natural fit.</p><p><strong>This conversation isn't about baseball.</strong></p><p>It's about creating unforgettable experiences, embracing criticism, taking bold risks, building culture, and putting people first.</p><p>Whether you're a Disney fan, entrepreneur, creator, leader, or someone pursuing a dream, the lessons in this episode are powerful, practical, and deeply inspiring.</p><p><strong>In this episode you'll discover:</strong></p><ul><li>How Disney influenced Jesse Cole's vision</li><li>The surprising connection between Walt Disney and Banana Ball</li><li>Why fan-first thinking changes everything</li><li>The importance of "plussing" every experience</li><li>Lessons in leadership, innovation, and resilience</li><li>Why criticism may be a sign you're doing something meaningful</li></ul><br/><p>Jesse Cole - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowtuxjesse/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://thesavannahbananas.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Savannah Bananas</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesavbananas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMOQmAEqtzfBGV-_X6_zMw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><p><p>📣 Comment in the <strong><a href="http://wdwradio.com/Clubhouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WDW Radio Clubhouse</a></strong> or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391</p><p>✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit <strong><a href="https://mousefantravel.com/?apid=lou" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MouseFanTravel.com</a></strong></p><h2>📬 Stay Connected:</h2><p>- <a href="http://wdwradio.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!</p><p>- <a href="https://instagram.com/LouMongello" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://wdwradio.com/Community" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/loumongello/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://youtube.com/WDWRadio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><h2>🎧 Explore More:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://wdwradio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WDWRadio.com</a> - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more</li><li><a href="https://wdwradionation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WDW Radio Nation</a> - Support the show and unlock rewards</li><li><a href="https://wdwradiolive.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WDWRadioLIVE.com</a> - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights</li><li><a href="http://wdwradio.com/events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Events & Cruises</a> - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!</li></ul><br/><p><strong><a href="https://loumongello.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LouMongello.com</a></strong> - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our <a href="http://loumongello.com/Momentum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Momentum</a> events in Walt Disney World. I am also a <strong><a href="http://loumongello.com/speaking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">keynote speaker</a> </strong>who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.</p><p>🙏🏼 <strong>Thank you</strong> for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.</p><p>Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!</p></p>
