Symposia Disney

In the midst of very weird and tumultuous times for Disney (lawsuits, political enemies, media battles, Galactic Cruiser closure announcements, park reservations going away, Genie+ under scrutiny), we're here with Episode 4 of Season 2! For this recording, we basically decide to bypass the crazy happenings (except briefly in the introduction) and just focus on our topic of the month (recorded May 2023) ! This month, we're looking at the other side of splurging—Disney World on a budget! Join us as we talk about our tips, tricks, and philosophies about sticking within a budget while you're on a Disney parks vacation. The take-home point? You can absolutely have a magical trip without bells, whistles, gadget, gizmos, and whoseits & whats its galore! Let us know what you think, and share your ideas with us! 

In this episode, we dive into our Splurging Philosophy at WDW! What are the things on a WDW trip that are fun to spend a little extra on, to save up for, to make part of your traditions? What are some "one and done" splurges or things we regret springing for? Listen in as we get nostalgic for past splurges and excited for future extravagances! Like the platinum Mickey ears visitors are donning for the 100 Years of Wonder, we're dripping with excitement to talk about this decadent topic! 

On this episode, we talk about the magic and beauty of Walt Disney World at night. From the parks, to the resorts, to Disney Springs, each little corner of the resort at large has a distinctive flair after the sun goes down. Appreciate the designs of the Imagineers in a new way as the lightscapes and soundscapes start transforming the lands and neighborhoods of the parks. Enjoy the excitement of the Nighttime Spectaculars, the cooler quiet of the streets in Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom, the gorgeous LED lightshow on Spaceship Earth, or the special energy of Sunset Blvd in Hollywood Studios as the art deco street signs shimmer under the spectre of the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel. Listen in as Liz, Danica, and Liza discuss finding little magical nocturnal moments while on vacation at our favorite place! 

Welcome to Season 2 of the Symposia Disney podcast, where we talk parks, pools, princesses, and more through the lens of feminism, parenthood, creativity, and culture.  Season 1 ran from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022, and now we're ready to head straight into 2023 with a new season of episodes. Over Season 2, we will do deep dives into why we love the Disney parks, how we approach Disney films & content in current cultural contexts, and how we see Disney fitting in with our journey as parents. In our Season Opener, we recap 2022, talk about what's on our minds in the present, and set our sights on what's on the horizon for us & Disney in the future. Come along with us on our journey! 

On this episode, we have a conversation about Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, and what we're thinking about the Galactic Starship Cruiser!   

In Episode 14, we dive into the wonderful world of Disney Bounding! Find out what it is, tips and tricks, and ideas to immerse yourself in Disney lore on your next trip to the parks (or the grocery store, or wherever your heart desires!).  We also begin with a special message to let everyone know that we at Symposia Disney stand with and love the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are friends and allies.  Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.  

In Episode 13, UnTangling Masculinity in the Disney Canon, we do a deep dive into representations of masculinity in the Disney princess franchise films. Beginning with the early princess films such as Snow White and Cinderella, moving into the renaissance films, and then concluding with an in-depth look at Tangled, the Frozen franchise, Moana, and Raya and the Last Dragon, we continue to trace and evaluate the evolution of gender representation in the Disney canon.  While doing all this brilliant stuff ^^, we laugh, profess our love for Flynn Ryder, Kristoff, and Daniel Dae Kim, and make jokes about gender at the expense of husbands (just kidding, we love you). Show notes: This is our 3rd segment in our "Free Belle!" series in which we examine gender representation in the Disney princess franchise and in the Disney canon at large. For Part I, see Episode 4: Free Belle, Part I: Feminists on Princesses. For Part II, see Episode 9: Free Belle, Part II: Raya and the Last Dragon. Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Symposia Disney is back for Part 4 of our series on the parks, "Isn't It Neat?" In this episode, we talk about Animal Kingdom and its magnificent approach to exploration, nature, and community. Also, we answer some age-old questions: Does Liz secretly love Animal Kingdom, despite her claims to the contrary? How many Wilderness Explorer scavenger hunt items can a family accomplish in one day? Is Avatar a good film? Should Up and other Pixar films have an "emotional distress" warning label on them? Show notes: This episode was recorded in the spring of 2021, prior to Danica's, Liz's, and Liza's summer 2021 WDW trips. To hear Danica's, Liz's, and Liza's trip reports from the summer 2021 trips, please see Episodes 5 & 6. Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Episode 11 is all about Disney's Hollywood Studios! In this chat, we discuss the amazing atmosphere at this park, especially at its 2 unique themed lands, Toy Story Land and Galaxy's Edge. You'll also hear some top tips, bounding ideas, and dining reviews. And hear Liz nostalgize and recount the history of "The Great Movie Ride," which has now been replaced by Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad. Here are some other questions you can expect us to answer during this episode: What is the binary contradiction of Hollywood Studios, per Danica?  What happens if you wear a "I am the Rebel Spy" t-shirt in Galaxy's Edge? Should you drink m/cocktails at Oga's Cantina for breakfast? (spoiler alert: the answer is yes!) Show notes: This episode was recorded in the spring of 2021, prior to Danica's, Liz's, and Liza's summer 2021 WDW trips. To hear Danica's, Liz's, and Liza's trip reports from the summer 2021 trips, please see Episodes 5 & 6. The 4th character at Hollywood & Vine Disney Jr character dining is Doc McStuffins. Liza apologizes to Doc for not remembering!  Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.  

In Episode 10, Liz, Danica, and Liza share their love for EPCOT with the world. Yes, it's true—EPCOT gives us all the feels. Learn about our favorite attractions, dining spots, and pavilions, and hear hilarious stories about frozen draft beer in the Japan pavilion, extra credit projects in the American Adventure, and princess conga lines. 

Danica, Liza, and Liz discuss Raya and the Last Dragon, and the efforts by Disney to create worlds without patriarchy. Oh! And there's one NSFLE (not safe for little ears) comment, unless, of course, you're one of our kids and then all bets are off.    Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Ready to learn about Danica, Liza, and Liz's favorite dining spots and hacks? Then this episode is the one for you! Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

In this episode, Danica, Liza, and Liz give their thoughts on masks at Disney, the ScarJo lawsuit, and what's the next trip in the works! Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

In this episode, Liza recounts her June trip and Liz gives an overview of her return to Disney in July. Listen to learn about changing Covid protocols, mobile ordering, and thoughts on lines without FastPasses. Additionally, the group discusses future Disney plans (including DVC!) and give insight into how the future of Disney vacations may change given recent events!   Oh, and Liz accidentally turns this into one ongoing ad - see how many companies you can identify!   Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

In this episode, Danica's gives her Walt Disney World trip report from May 2021. Lots of good info on the parks, but also Danica, Liza, and Liz reflect Disney magic, feeling comfortable in our bodies, making sure moms are in the photos, and how to keep Disney expectations realistic. Special Guest star includes Danica's oldest!   Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Danica, Liza, and Liz use their critical but loving Disney lens to examine the evolution of Disney princesses from their childhood until today. (And Liz confuses the name of Maui's song from Moana and refers to it as "Thank You" instead of "You're Welcome" - interesting Freudian slip!) Footnoting History episodes mentioned in this episode: Lesley's on Little Mermaid and Lucy's on Mulan.   Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Isn't It Neat? A Day at Magic Kingdom! In this episode, Danica, Liz, and Liza provide some insights into their perfect day at Magic Kingdom as well as tips and tricks for all parkgoers!   Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

In this episode, Danica, Liza, and Liz share their thoughts on their favorite resorts!    Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.

Meet Danica, Liza, and Liz - three academic moms who love Disney. In this episode, you learn why they decided to create Symposia Disney and how they plan to look at Disney with a loving but critical lens.    Music: Highballers by Gyom. License through PremiumBeat.