90s Disney

In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris discuss what it really means to “plus” a Disney attraction — that time-honored Imagineering term for enhancing or improving an existing ride without completely replacing it.

Inspired by recent announcements about updates to attractions like Frozen Ever After and Ratatouille: The Adventure, the trio goes park by park through Walt Disney World to decide which attractions could use a little “plus” of their own — and which ones should be left alone.

Plus, the brothers read listener emails about Epic Universe tips, favorite Disney holiday traditions, and must-try dining picks for upcoming trips.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

02:30 Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland Updates

05:45 Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland Enhancements

08:18 Magic Kingdom: Liberty Square and Frontierland

10:51 Magic Kingdom: Adventureland Improvements

12:34 Epcot: Future World and World Showcase

23:07 Hollywood Studios: Sunset Boulevard and Toy Story Land

26:24 Thought Experiment: Original Trilogy Ride

27:21 Maintaining and Fixing Disneyland Attractions

27:42 Future of Star Tours

29:03 Indiana Jones and Other Attractions

30:07 Animal Kingdom Updates

34:15 Avatar and Pandora Attractions

38:48 Epic Universe and Hotel Recommendations

44:10 Holiday Traditions at Disney

45:59 Dining Recommendations for Anniversary Trip

49:01 Cedar Point and Knottsberry Farm

52:14 Upcoming Episode and Conclusion

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Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we dive into the history of Festival of the Lion King, one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved stage shows. Opening alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, the show was originally designed as a quick, temporary solution, but it grew into a fan-favorite production that’s still running today.

We explore the fascinating journey of the show, including:

• The origins of Camp Minnie-Mickey and the companion show Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends.
• How the Lion King Celebration Parade at Disneyland influenced Animal Kingdom’s show.
• Michael Eisner’s last-minute push for characters and stage shows at Animal Kingdom.
• Disney Legend Ron Logan’s leadership and the recycling of parade floats to create the production.
• Writer and director Reed Jones, his early Disney career, and his vision for a celebratory musical revue rather than a simple retelling of the film.
• A detailed walkthrough of the show itself from the Tumble Monkeys to the fire knife dancer to the aerial “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” duet.
• The show’s upgrades over time, including moving from its original “shed” theater in Camp Minnie-Mickey to the Harambe Theater when Pandora – The World of Avatar was announced.
• The pandemic closure, the scaled-down A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King, and the triumphant full return in 2022.
• A look at the Hong Kong Disneyland version and how it differs from Walt Disney World’s.

Join us as we celebrate the story of a show that was meant to be temporary but became an Animal Kingdom icon.

00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney

01:12 Festival of the Lion King Introduction

01:33 Disney in the 90s Recap

01:58 Animal Kingdom's Opening Day

04:29 Beastly Kingdomme and Budget Cuts

06:56 Camp Minnie-Mickey: A Temporary Solution

09:05 Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends Show

11:00 Lion King Celebration Parade at Disneyland

14:21 Creating Festival of the Lion King

17:47 The Show's Key Performers and Acts

32:59 Voice Actors

33:40 Theater Upgrades and Popularity

34:38 Timon's Articulated Head and Other Upgrades

35:55 Pandora and the New Harambe Theater

38:37 COVID-19 Impact and Show Modifications

41:59 Full Return of the Festival of the Lion King

43:45 Hong Kong's Festival of the Lion King

45:27 Disney Stage Shows and Personal Experiences

52:08 Listener Emails and Comments

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In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, the Minotti decide the top 5 picks for the best live shows in the history of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

From Broadway-style musicals to stunt spectaculars, atmospheric streetmosphere acts, and fan-favorite singalongs, we cover the entire run of Hollywood Studios’ entertainment offerings—past and present. Which ones made us laugh? Which ones made us cry? Which ones starred us?

Expect arguments. Expect nostalgia. Expect Muppets.

What’s your favorite show in the Studios? Let us know!

00:00 Introduction and Host Banter

01:27 Top 5 Live Shows at Disney Hollywood Studios

02:32 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

03:10 Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

06:40 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Show

08:49 Voyage of The Little Mermaid

10:27 Here Come The Muppets

13:32 Ace Ventura and Other Oddities

16:51 Superstar Television Memories

20:43 Doug Live and Other Shows

30:06 Fantasmic!

32:06 Dick Tracy Diamond Double Cross

34:22 Hollywood's Pretty Woman and Other Shows

34:35 Discussing Lightning McQueen and the New Villain Show

34:50 The Villain Show Experience

36:55 Ranking Disney Shows

38:57 Debating the Best Disney Shows

42:09 Listener Comments and Emails

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It belongs in a museum… or maybe just the theme park stage! This week on 90s Disney, we’re cracking the whip and diving into the boulder-sized legacy of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney-MGM Studios.

We explore the origins of this groundbreaking live-action stunt show, its connections to the opening of Disney’s third park in 1989, and the impact of Indy mania on everything from casting to explosions to theme park lore. From its high-flying choreography to its crowd-pleasing humor and behind-the-scenes gags, the Epic Stunt Spectacular has earned its place in the Hall of Theme Park Legends.

We also talk about the real stunt work, rotating casts, audience volunteers, fire effects, and why this show remains one of the longest-running stage productions in theme park history, even as the rest of the park has changed around it.

Plus, we share our own memories of seeing the show as kids and reflect on why the Epic Stunt Spectacular still holds up (even if the fedora is a little dusty).\

00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney

01:26 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

03:00 Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Stunt Show

06:28 Key Figures in the Stunt Show's Creation

23:12 The Show's Evolution and Audience Participation

36:58 The Stunt Sequence Breakdown

37:11 Behind the Scenes: Truck Stunt

38:29 Audience Interaction and Gags

41:07 The Airfield Finale

45:24 The Gift Shop Experience

50:56 Changes Over the Years

53:02 Audience Participation and Legal Changes

57:42 Indiana Jones in Pop Culture

01:02:32 Comparing Stunt Shows

01:05:43 Listener Emails and Q&A

01:10:58 Taking Disney Advice to Heart

01:11:42 Kingdom Hearts and 90s Disney Properties

01:14:46 The Savi's Experience at Galaxy's Edge

01:17:05 Face Characters and Disney Roles

01:24:40 Disney Park Traditions and First Day Plans

01:32:42 Favorite Coasters and Sicko Moments

01:39:48 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes

References & Further Reading:

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Wikipedia
• AllEars.net – Show Description & Trivia
• Full Show on YouTube (2023 version)

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Welcome to the great Moderate Resort Showdown! In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, AJ, Mike, and Chris debate and discuss the best—and maybe not-so-best—of Walt Disney World’s Moderate resort hotels.

We cover each resort in the category: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Along the way, we talk themes, dining, transportation, pool vibes, price, and more—then we each rank our favorites.

What makes a Moderate feel “just right”? Is the Skyliner a game-changer? Does a certain sweet treat tip the scale?

Resorts Discussed:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
• Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter

Whether you're planning your next stay or just like a good resort debate, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction and Host Banter

01:26 Ranking Disney's Moderate Resorts

01:53 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Experiences

03:03 Deep Dive into Disney's Moderate Resorts

07:04 Caribbean Beach Resort Review

15:29 Coronado Springs Resort Review

20:36 Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review

25:42 Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review

32:05 Discussing Unique Entertainment Options

32:34 Pool Preferences and Comparisons

32:53 Transportation and Location Insights

33:50 Theming and Immersive Experiences

35:08 Room Layouts and Family Accommodations

36:25 Ranking the Resorts

45:49 Listener Questions and Recommendations

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In this episode of 90s Disney, join hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris as they take you on a journey through a summer cocktail adventure, Disney style! The episode kicks off with the trio preparing for a fun-filled night of cocktail-making while reminiscing about their past Disney experiences. Each host introduces and makes a unique Disney-themed cocktail. This third annual summer cocktail episode promises new drink ideas, fun banter, and a dash of nostalgia for Disney fans. Be sure to try these amazing cocktails yourself and share your results with us!

00:00 Disclaimer

01:05 Introduction to the Podcast

02:04 Summer Cocktail Episode Begins

02:45 First Cocktail

03:15 Mixing and Tasting the Cocktail

03:57 Discussion on Cocktail Ingredients and Techniques

05:37 Memorable Drinking Experiences

21:49 Preparing the Next Cocktail

33:29 The Cranberry Juice Experience

34:00 Holiday Cocktails and Memories

35:42 Bartending Stories and Lounge Experiences

36:48 Exploring Unique Drink Recipes

39:33 Disney Lounge Favorites

40:46 Cocktail Ingredients and Techniques

43:32 Theme Park Drink Adventures

54:36 Memorable Dining Experiences

01:04:20 Frozen Mojito and Sam Adams Pitchers

01:04:50 Tom Hanks' Champagne and Diet Coke Mix

01:05:16 Cleaning Glasses and Special Ingredients

01:06:20 Listener Submitted Cocktail

01:06:43 Steakhouse 71 and Disney Bourbon

01:07:23 Vermouth and Campari Discussion

01:19:09 Ranking the Drinks

01:20:58 Favorite Theme Park Cocktails

01:36:19 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes

Sometimes you don’t have time for a sit-down meal in the parks, and honestly, sometimes you just want a really good cheeseburger. In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, the Minotti brothers share their favorite quick service meals from across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando!

From mobile order go-tos and cult-favorite entrees to hidden gems and legendary snacks, we’re serving up personal picks, strong opinions, and plenty of theme park food nostalgia.

Share your go-to quick service meal with us!

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

01:13 Mike's Disney World Trip and Test Track 3.0 Preview

01:23 Favorite Quick Service Restaurants

01:41 Test Track 3.0 Experience

06:44 Magic Kingdom Highlights

08:32 Hollywood Studios and New Shows

11:54 Dining at the Mexico Pavilion

14:39 Universal Studios Adventures

17:22 Magic Kingdom Quick Service Debate

26:54 Epcot Quick Service Memories

28:57 Memories of the Land Pavilion

30:00 Epcot's Culinary Delights

36:17 Hollywood Studios Quick Service Options

44:27 Animal Kingdom's Best Eats

50:31 Resort and Disney Springs Dining

53:37 Local Barbecue and Earl Sandwich Memories

54:16 Quick Service Options at Disney Springs

55:50 Universal Studios Dining Highlights

01:00:23 Epic Universe Dining Experiences

01:06:39 Listener Emails and Comments

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This week, we're setting sail with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Tim Curry as we revisit Muppet Treasure Island, Disney’s 1996 swashbuckling adventure that proved you can never have too many pirates... or Muppets.

We explore how the Muppets returned to adapting literary classics after the success of Muppet Christmas Carol, why Gonzo and Rizzo were almost the stars of this film, and how Tim Curry's unforgettable Long John Silver performance (and laugh) practically made him a human Muppet. Along the way, we look at the film’s memorable songs by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Hans Zimmer’s rousing score, and the challenges of filming on a full-size gimbaled ship set without sending the entire cast to the sick bay.

We also share our memories of the movie’s 90s marketing, its reception, and why it remains such a fun retelling of a literary classic.

00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney Podcast

01:35 Introduction to Muppet Treasure Island

02:10 Muppet Treasure Island Release and Reception

04:14 Casting and Character Insights

11:43 Behind the Scenes and Production Details

28:17 Music and Score of Muppet Treasure Island

32:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

32:31 Nostalgic Memories of Watching Movies in Theaters

33:25 Ranking the Muppet Movies

35:23 Imagining New Muppet Movie Adaptations

38:16 Comedic Highlights and Memorable Scenes

46:18 Behind the Scenes and Fun Trivia

51:04 Legacy and Reception of Muppet Treasure Island

55:24 Listener Feedback and Final Thoughts

Links & References:

• D23 – Muppet Treasure Island Did You Know?
• Muppet Mindset – Celebrating 20 Years of Muppet Treasure Island
• Variety – Treasure Pic Charted for Muppets
• Official Trailer on YouTube

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Which theme park lines are the most fun to stand in? Which queues are masterpieces of storytelling and design?

In this bonus episode, the AJ, Mike, and Chris give their picks for the best lines (and maybe a few worst ones) across Disney and Universal theme parks. Whether it's for the set dressing, the nostalgia, or the sheer entertainment value, these are the places we're surprisingly happy to wait.

From haunted mansions to enchanted forests to prehistoric jungles, queue up with us for a conversation full of laughs, surprises, and maybe even a few opinions you’ll disagree with.

00:00 Introduction

02:40 Favorite Theme Park Lines

05:09 Star Tours and Interactive Queues

09:21 Indiana Jones Adventure and Test Track

12:29 Avatar Flight of Passage and Space Mountain

17:59 Universal Studios and ET Adventure

19:58 Tower of Terror and Muppet Vision 3D

30:20 Dinosaur and Haunted Mansion

33:44 Disneyland's Seasonal Magic

33:59 The Best Outdoor Queues

35:12 Nostalgia for Body Wars

36:18 Universal's Unique Queues

36:47 Disney World's Hidden Gems

39:53 Mario Kart and More at Epic Universe

44:35 Classic Disney MGM Studios

49:15 Universal's Kongfrontation and More

49:58 Harry Potter's Immersive Experiences

59:33 Final Thoughts and ListenerComments

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Email us at [email protected] with your own favorite queue lines!

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they dive deep into the legendary Adventurer’s Club at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island and explore how it inspired and connects to the global lore of Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.)!

In this episode:

• The history of the Adventurer’s Club, its immersive theater roots, iconic characters, and quirky traditions like the famous “Kungaloosh!”
• What made the Club’s interactive shows, rooms, and animatronic moments so beloved and unforgettable
• The fan movement that tried to save it and where you can spot Easter eggs today
• How S.E.A. started in Tokyo DisneySea, key members like Harrison Hightower III, Lord Henry Mystic, and Mary Oceaneer, and how Disney has expanded the lore worldwide
• Details on the rumored Disney+ series and the planned S.E.A. feature film
• Fun drink recipes to recreate the spirit of the old Club at home

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

01:16 Podcast Milestones and Listener Appreciation

02:35 The Adventurous Club and Society of Explorers and Adventurers

02:44 Old Kungaloosh Cocktail Recipe

03:46 Disney in the Late 80s and Early 90s

04:29 Pleasure Island and Adventurous Club Overview

05:14 Inside the Adventurous Club

16:58 Characters of the Adventurous Club

22:32 Rooms and Shows of the Adventurous Club

30:09 Closure and Legacy of the Adventurous Club

32:39 The Decline of Disney's Adventurers Club

34:19 The Emotional Farewell of the Adventurers Club

35:49 The Birth of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.)

37:42 S.E.A. Expands Across Disney Parks

39:16 S.E.A.'s Influence in Disney Attractions and Media

47:44 The Future of S.E.A. in Disney Media

52:41 Personal Memories and Reflections

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