Distant Disney

All good things must come to and end, and this is the end of Distant Disney.  In early October, this podcast feed will shut down, and we will stop posting regularly scheduled episodes.  But, if you ever want to listen to our archived episodes, they now live on our new Youtube channel! We'll be uploading videos to the channel gradually over a little period of time for anyone who wants to reference our more researched and informative episodes! Thank you to everyone who ever listened! Thank you to all of our guests who made appearances over the years!   Youtube Channel:  https://bit.ly/3AHQxDE Music by Colin Paul

Stick around to the end of the episode for a major announcement regarding this podcast!  But in our main topic this week we're profiling Epcot's upcoming new attraction Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.  Long delayed due to the pandemic, this attraction is opening with a new expansion of the France pavilion on October 1st. Music by Colin Paul

We're back! In our news segment, we're breaking down Disney's recently announced service Genie and Genie+, what can you use it for, and how much it will cost. Part of this new tool will be completely replacing the existing FastPass+ system. Then, in our main segment, Brandon tells us about what it's like to be at one of the nation's largest state fairs - the Iowa State Fair.  Music by Colin Paul

Hey everybody! We don't have a new episode this week.. but we'll be back next Tuesday with a profile of one of the nations most prominent state fairs - The Iowa State Fair!  So check this feed one week from now for the continuation of new episodes about Disney Parks and more! (And don't worry, we'll be talking all about the news that's been dropping lately).

Tucked into a small corner of Disney's Hollywood Studios, Muppet Vision 3D has been hosting guests for thirty years.  While the surrounding areas of the park have seen, shall we say, drastic renovations and rethemes throughout that time, this stalwart little attraction remains nearly unchanged from its opening day version.  This week, we're taking a look at the history of this classic 3D attraction, the massive land that was originally planned for the area, as well as the other iterations of Muppets in Disney parks. Music by Colin Paul.

Ep 127 - Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is now live! Despite being over ninety years old, Mickey Mouse has never had a starring role in an attraction - until very recently, that is! Check out this week's episode to learn all about this ground breaking attraction. Music by Colin Paul

Note: This episode was recorded before the tragic events that resulted in one child's death at Adventureland Resort in Iowa.  Although we coincidentally talked about the park this week, we will discuss this tragedy in the next episode. We're bringing a slightly abbreviated show this week due to Danny's upcoming move!  But that won't stop us from talking all about those iconic Main Street vehicles that you can observe, and yes, ride! Music by Colin Paul.

This week on Distant Disney, we're listing our favorite places to kick back and get a drink throughout Disney World!  We're exploring the best watering holes in the parks, resorts and Disney Springs.  So if you like to relax with a cold drink on your vacation, this episode is for you! Music by Colin Paul.

You may love this attraction, you may hate it.  Either way, this attraction has been mired in controversy for decades. This week, as Danny slowly melts in his recording space, we're taking a look back at this once iconic attraction's staggering demise to one of the most maligned attractions in all of Disney World.  Music by Colin Paul

We're joined this week by special guest Julia, a former Disneyland cast member whose roles included Park Greeter and Entertainment host!  We asked her all about her time with Disney, from her beginning with the Disney Dreamer's Academy to ultimately being caught up in the massive layoffs last year. Music by Colin Paul

In our final installment of our resorts series, we're profiling the pairs of Disney hotels -  Swan & Dolphin and the Yacht & Beach Clubs.  Although all four of these resorts are part of the Epcot resort area, two of them actually aren't Disney resorts at all! Music by Colin Paul

We're taking a brief respite from our exhaustive exploration of Disney World resorts to profile the largest regional theme park company in the world. Odds are, if you haven't already been to a Six Flags park, you know someone who has.  This company that is only a few years younger than Disneyland itself, has grown to be recognized across the globe - but not without some major speed bumps.  We'll be talking about Six Flags' chaotic history in this week's episode.  Music by Colin Paul

We've been talking a lot about Disney's in house time-share program, the Disney Vacation Club.  But where did this initiative come from?  This week, we're answering that question and looking at the very first DVC resort: Old Key West. Music by Colin Paul

This week on Distant Disney Brandon takes us through one of Disney World's flagship resorts: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Arguably the most elegant of all the Disney resorts, the Grand Floridian will set you back a fair amount to stay there.  But its intricate design, famous Signature dining, and seamless blending of Victorian architecture with modern amenities like the attached monorail station, make this resort a must-see. We're also supporting a friend of the show's new endeavor - Hester Bros. Cartoon Theatre.  Their first episode is all about House of Mouse! Music by Colin Paul

We're covering two ends of the resort timeline this week - Caribbean Beach was the first moderate resort to open, and Riviera Resort was the newest resort to open (and last before the pandemic began!)  Check out this episode if you're considering staying in either of these resorts, or like us, you just miss wandering through the Disney resorts!Music by Colin Paul

These two deluxe resorts may draw their themes from two opposite American coasts, but we think that you'll love them no matter where you're from! Wilderness Lodge, with its babbling creeks and tranquil forests draws the nature lovers.  While Boardwalk Inn, bringing the excitement of Atlantic City and Coney Island provides nightlife for all of the partiers who find themselves vacationing at Disney World!   Should you stay at one of these hotels?  Check out this episode and you might just have your answer! Music by Colin Paul

Unfortunately, we don't have a new episode for you this week! Danny was exposed to Covid and had to self-isolate in a location separately from his recording equipment.  We'll try to get a new episode on this feed for next Tuesday though!  Stay safe, everyone.Music by Colin Paul.

Our next two resorts on our journey through Disney World's hotels bring us to affluent New England horse-racing grounds as well as the whimsical world of larger-than-life animation.  They also reflect two completely different travel budgets! Music by Colin Paul

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the All Star Resorts (comprised of Music, Sports and Movies hotels) - two titans of Disney hotels, but for very different reason.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only hotel on property where you can actually see some of the animals you may get to meet at Animal Kingdom, and the All Star Resorts are, well, the cheapest.  We're taking you on a little jaunt through each of these resorts this week.

Disney's Coronado Resort has been called the best value out of all the resorts on Walt Disney World property.  So what makes this gargantuan resort so special?  That's what we're talking about this week! Music by Colin Paul

With the new year, we kick off a new series!  Brandon begins our journey through the Disney World hotels with a detailed look at a popular moderate resort -  the Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter and Riverside. Music by Colin Paul

In 2019, Disney opened the gates to their newly created Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands.  For the first time, fans got to actually ride the legendary Millennium Falcon in a brand new, super high tech attraction.  In this week's episode, we're pulling back the curtains to see how Disney brought such a well known space craft to life. Music by Colin Paul

An opening day attraction, The Backlot Tour delighted (or bored) guests at Hollywood Studios until it closed to make way for Galaxy's Edge.  While it was originally intended to be an insider's look at the film industry, it never quite managed to live up to Disney's expectations.  We're taking a deep look at this once classic attraction this week! Music by Colin Paul

DinoLand USA is a carnival within a theme park - Disney's Animal Kingdom.  This week, we're discussing its place in the Disney Parks, its origins, and what could be done about this bizarre area.Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to be safe and socially distant! Music by Colin Paul

Hello Distant Disney listeners!  Yep, you read that right.  From here on out, we're going biweekly.  We love making this show, and to ensure that each episode meets our standards, we're going to be skipping a week between episodes starting right now.  Thank you so much for listening, and we'll talk to you next week!

Just when you thought we could stop talking about the election, Distant Disney is here to bring you all you could want to know about The Hall of Presidents!  This opening day attraction in Magic Kingdom generated quite a bit of controversy when #45 entered the oval office.  But why is there an attraction featuring all of America's presidents in the middle of Disney's flagship theme park?  We're here to tell you! Music by Colin Paul

On this historic election day, we're not releasing a new episode.  Instead, we hope you enjoy one of our older episodes! Released originally on May 19th, 2019, this episode was a very close look at Disney's Hollywood Studio's Tower of Terror attraction.  We hope you enjoy this blast from Distant Disney's past while you vote (if you haven't already!) Music by Colin Paul

One of the last attractions at Disney World that Walt personally oversaw, the Carousel of Progress is a historic show that looks at... well, history!  From it's spectacular opening at the NYC World's Fair to its declining popularity at its current location in Magic Kingdom, we're talking all about this classic attraction this week. Music by Colin Paul

We're taking another step away from Disney World this week, back over to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Two of their biggest, baddest coasters are Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.   We're each breaking down a coaster this week on Distant Disney! Music by Colin Paul

Moving hundreds of thousands of guests around Disney World every day is not small feat.  Disney boats a transportation system that rivals some of the country's most populous cities.  This week, we're talking about all of the boats, trains, monorails, busses, and even planes that make up Disney World's Transportation Department. Music by  Colin Paul

This week we're putting our usual programming on hold to discuss the news that broke earlier this week - Disney is laying off 28,000 cast members throughout their American theme parks and related enterprises. Music by Colin Paul

We're revisiting a classic episode theme this week - our favorite restaurants!  Disney World has had some major culinary upgrades in the past decade (particularly in the quick service restaurants), and we couldn't help but discuss some of our top ranked eateries throughout the resort! Music by Colin Paul

We've spoken about our experiences in doing The Disney College Program before, but this time we're talking about some of the little things you might not think about before heading down to Florida.  Things like, what should you bring? What are laundry services and transportation like on the program? We're covering these and so much more of the little necessaries you need to know! Music by Colin Paul

This week we step away from the Disney Parks and over to their arch-rival Universal Studios! First, we explain why Universal Orlando still has Marvel characters and rides despite Disney owning the super hero studio.  Then we break down the history and development of Islands of Adventure's opening day attraction that won Best Dark Ride for twelve years in a row! Music by Colin Paul

In Magic Kingdom's iconic 4-D show, Donald steals Mickey's Sorcerer's hat and goes on an epic adventure through classic movies in an attempt to retrieve the mischievous hat.  This week we'll discuss this attraction's history, development and surprising longevity! Music by Colin Paul

This week we're celebrating our 100th full episode!  To celebrate nearly two years of Distant Disney, we're talking all about what Disney has planned for their big year next year - Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary! As promised - two rhinos fighting at Kilimanjaro Safaris Music by Colin Paul

For our final episode numbered in the double digits, we're examining the fireworks show that delighted guests while we worked in the parks - Wishes! Music by Colin Paul

One of the most popular attractions in Epcot, Soarin' began as a celebration of California for the brand new Disney's California Adventure.  This week, we're taking a look at this iconic attraction's history and development.Help Iowa:https://www.facebook.com/groups/974094406389442https://www.uweci.org/Venmo: @iowaderechoPaypal: info@derecho2020.com Music by Colin PaulOpening music: Soarin' - by Jerry Goldsmith

*Unfortunately, Brandon experienced some technical issues this week, it's not a glitch on your phone!* Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth.  But what happens when it isn't?  This week, we're sharing personal stories, as well as examining some publicly available protocols that Disney follows when things go very, very wrong at their parks. Music by Colin Paul

In this episode, Kaela Celeste joins us for our second part of our Downtown Disney/Disney Springs extravaganza.Brandon gets excited about parking garages.And Danny tries - and fails - to successfully join a foodie conversation. Visit Kaela Celeste on Youtube here! Music by Colin Paul

Before Disney Springs, there was Downtown Disney.  This week on Distant Disney, we're profiling one of the wildest ventures Disney has embarked upon (no, we don't mean the sort of wildest ride in the wilderness you might find in Frontierland).  We'll be talking about the village's original purpose, its transformation to a legendary club district, and eventual loss of popularity. Here's the link for the video of The Adventure Club's Colonel Sunchbench we're laughing about.Music by Colin Paul

Distant Disney is a podcast designed to help bring the escapism of Disney theme parks to you, no matter where you are.This is not the time for escapism.We do not believe that it would be responsible to release a full episode detailing some nook or cranny of Disney World while thousands are wrongfully beaten and arrested in the streets.Below, please see several links we've gathered to notable charities supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Please listen to black and brown podcasters.  Engage with and support black and brown creators.  Shop at black and brown owned stores.  Donate if you can, make your voice heard if you can't.Black Lives Matter. Black Lives MatterThe ACLUNAACP and NAACP Legal Defense FundStand With Breonna Taylor115 Ways to Donate in Support of Black LivesEducate YourselfWhy You Should Say Black Lives Matter (Youtube)Black Aids InstituteColor of ChangeNational Association of Black Journalists  

Disney World proposes reopening dates for its four Florida theme parks! Plus, our final stop around Epcot's World Showcase - The Canada Pavilion.  Explore Canada's wild west here, while maybe enjoying some of the best food that Epcot has to offer. All that and more on this week's episode of Distant Disney. More information about Walt Disney World's reopeninghttps://bit.ly/2Xi3oLG Music by Colin Paul

Disney Springs and CityWalk have both partially reopened, with Disney Springs to see more Disney operated stores reopening this week.  What does this mean for the reopening of the parks?Plus, our tenth stop around Epcot's World Showcase - The UK Pavilion.  Steeped in culture and tradition, this pavilion may be getting a large overhaul!All that and more on this week's Distant Disney. Music by Colin Paul

This week on Distant Disney:Shanghai Disneyland is officially reopened, what health measures have they implemented?Disney Springs begins a partial reopening this week, how does this foreshadow the rest of Disney World's opening? And our main topic, the France pavilion!  A classic World Showcase stop that will soon (hopefully... pending COVID-19) see the first new World Showcase attraction in over 30 years. Music by Colin Paul

The only country in World Showcase that was actually sponsored by its government, Morocco could be one of the more underappreciated pavilions.  We're hoping to shine some light on this beautiful pavilion in this episode! Music by Colin Paul

Up next in our circumnavigation of the World Showcase is the Japan pavilion. Arguably one of the more popular stops along the route, this pavilion is packed full of restaurants, cultural icons, and fascinating activies. Music by Colin Paul

Here at the half-way point around Epcot's World Showcase we find the host pavilion - The American Adventure.  This stop features one of the more unusual attractions in world showcase.  We talk about its origins and merits in today's society.  So grab your tiny American flags.. this one's all about the US of A! Music by Colin Paul

Moving on around Epcot's World Showcase, we arrive next at the Italy Pavilion. Another pavilion without a typical attraction - this stop in rich in food, shopping and architecture. Sounds really fun, doesn't it? Music by Colin Paul

Next stop on our way around World Showcase: Germany! We talk about the amazing dining, sights, and the attraction that never was in this one! Music by Colin Paul

Winding our way through World Showcase, we find ourselves next at the China Pavilion! So here from our quarantines, we discuss the immense detail Imagineers laced throughout this pavilion. Music by Colin Paul