90s Disney

By The Minotti BrothersSociety & Culture Places & Travel

90s Disney episodes

February 16, 2024 56.6 - Ranking the Best Park Entrances
AJ, Mike, and Chris go on the journey to rank the best park entrances of the 4 US Disney parks and 3 US Universal parks. Who has the best gateway? Which park's first "land" best sets the stage? What makes an entrance the best? It could be the views, an attraction, or even the food! Find out how we rank them in our latest bonus episode.
42 min
February 01, 2024 56 - Castle of Illusion
AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to join Mickey Mouse as he journeys to save Minnie from the Castle of Illusion. Before there was Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega looked to Disney’s iconic mascot to help cement its new Genesis console as a contender to Nintendo. Learn how the game came to be, how it plays, and its legacy in our latest episode.
Sega and Disney
Detailing Sega's 16-bit Genesis/Mega Drive launch in 1989, the hosts discuss Sega's strategy of working with established names, resulting in games like Castle of Illusion. Emiko Yamamoto, serving as director, played a crucial role in this collaboration.
The Game
Castle of Illusion is described as a simple yet vibrant 2D platformer. Mickey's quest to save Minnie from the Witch Mizrabel takes him through enchanted realms like Toyland and The Library. The hosts appreciate the game's relative ease compared to contemporaries and highlight its colorful graphics and smooth animations.
Master System
The Master System version is explored, emphasizing its uniqueness rather than being a mere replica of the original. Mickey's ability to interact with the environment is a notable distinction, and many prefer this version over the Genesis one.
World of Illusion
The hosts touch on the sequel, World of Illusion, released in 1992, presenting a departure with puzzle-platformer elements. Its vibrant graphics and cooperative gameplay earn praise, and Emiko Yamamoto's continued involvement is noted.
Other Illusion Titles
The episode delves into other titles in the Illusion series, including Land of Illusion, a sequel for the Game Gear, and Legend of Illusion, released in 1995 for the Game Gear and Master System in Brazil.
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion
The Illusion series resurfaces in 2012 with Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the 3DS, adopting Metroidvania elements and paying homage to the classics.
Remake
Castle of Illusion gets a remake in 2013, expanding on the original with 2.5D gameplay and more exploration. The hosts appreciate the enhancements while lamenting that it marked the closure of Sega Studios Australia.
Illusion Today
The episode touches on the game's inclusion in the Genesis Mini library in 2019 and references Disney Illusion Island, a multiplayer Metroidvania inspired by Castle of Illusion.

Get in touch! Send questions and comments to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Behind the Design: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse" - Sega-16
"Castle of Illusion: Behind the Scenes - Part 1" - YouTube

1 hr 6 min
January 19, 2024 55.5 - Ranking WDW Resorts by Theme
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we rank every Walt Disney World solely by their theming. Is the theme consistent? Appealing? Existent? We’re liking to have snubbed someone’s favorite. Perhaps you think we overrated a resort? Is all controversy and madness!
1 hr
January 02, 2024 55 - Dixie Landings
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we delve into the world of Dixie Landings, a Disney resort steeped in the charm of the Antebellum South during the late 19th century.
Development and Opening:
We explore the resort's development, opening nearly nine months after its sibling, Port Orleans. Dixie Landings boasts a unique thematic design with rustic buildings in Alligator Bayou and elegant mansions in Magnolia Bend. Daroff Design, Inc. of Philadelphia contributes to the resort's interior design, drawing inspiration from mid-1800s tidewater themes and the village's steamboat business.
The Backstory:
The backstories, sourced from the resort's original fictional newspaper, The Sassagoula Times, and famed Disney historian Jim Korkis, add rich layers to the Dixie Landings narrative. Founded by brothers Colonel J.C. Peace and Everette, the resort's history unfolds through family, community, and the charm of the Old South. The settlers' constructions, growth of Magnolia Bend, and the founding families' stories paint a vivid picture.
Accommodations and Amenities:
Details of accommodations and amenities are explored, including the 2,048 rooms with various views, the introduction of Royal Guest rooms with themes from Disney movies, and a range of dining options like Boatwright's Dining Hall and Riverside Mill. The hosts cover recreational activities, such as the expansive Ol’ Man Island, quiet pools, and various transportation options like buses and water taxis.
Change to Port Orleans and Modern Updates:
The episode covers the significant change to Port Orleans in 2001, where Dixie Landings merged with Port Orleans to become Port Orleans: Riverside. This merger saw the transformation of landmarks, like Colonel’s Cotton Mill becoming The Riverside Mill food court and the Cotton Co-op evolving into the River Roost Lounge. Renovations in 2004 and 2011, including the introduction of the Royal Guest Room theme in 2012, are discussed.
Interesting Tidbits:
Fascinating details are shared, such as the hand-carved wooden Alligator Bayou guest beds and the transplantation of a massive live oak tree on Ol’ Man Island. The Sassagoula River, themed after the Mississippi River, adds another layer of depth to the resort's design.
Our Memories of the Resort:
The hosts share personal memories of Dixie Landings, creating a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Get in touch! Send questions and comments to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Walt Dated World
Daroff Design, Inc. - Dixie Landings
Mouse Planet - The Forgotten Story of Dixie Landings
Kingdom Magic Travel - Dixie Landings
Port Orleans - History
Port Orleans - Royal Rooms
YouTube Video
56 min
December 19, 2023 54.5 - Attraction Overlays
Jack Skellington in the Haunted Mansion? A ghost in the galaxy? A jingle on a cruise? Join us as we discuss our favorite attraction overlays across the Disney Parks!
38 min
December 01, 202354 - Candlelight Processional
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris for a beloved Disney holiday tradition that goes back much further than you think. Every year since 1994, the Candlelight Processional is performed at Epcot. This moving show features choirs, musicians, and a celebrity narrator. But did you know this show can trace its origins back to Walt Disney and Disneyland's first year?
Early Disneyland Days
In 1955, Disney initiated the Disney at Christmas Festival, precursor to Candlelight Processional. Dr. Charles C. Hirt of USC suggested expanding the event, leading to the first true Candlelight Processional in 1958.
Walt Disney World Transition
Candlelight Processional moved to WDW in 1980. Initially in front of Cinderella’s Castle, it later shifted to the American Gardens Theater in Epcot.
Epcot & Expansion
With its popularity, Candlelight Processional became a centerpiece for Epcot's Festival of Holidays, lasting almost a month. Narrated by celebrities, it's known for subtle yearly changes, including song arrangements and choir pieces.
Get in touch! Send questions and comments to [email protected].
Links
D23 Epcot International Festivals

DAPS Magic - History of Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland

Wikipedia - Disney's Candlelight Processional

D23 - Disney's Candlelight Processional Through the Years

Derric Johnson - Official Site

Kenny the Pirate - History of Candlelight Processional

AllEars - From Disneyland to Epcot: A History of the Candlelight Processional

DisneyParks Blog - Vintage Walt Disney World Candlelight Shines at Epcot

MousePlanet - The History of Two Disney Christmas Traditions

Disney Geek - November 25 Calendar

YouTube - Candlelight Processional (1997)
1 hr 3 min
November 17, 2023 53.5 - Mike's Cruise and WDW Trip Report
Mikey is back from his first ever Disney Cruise along with a week spent at Walt Disney World. We ask all about the sights, sounds, and snacks! Mike tells us all about his time on the Disney Wish, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and what is was light to look at Tron from afar.
1 hr 2 min
November 01, 2023 53 - It's Tough to Be a Bug
It's a new 90s Disney Podcast! By special request, we're donning our bug eyes to experience the Animal Kingdom opening day attraction, It's Tough to Be a Bug!
A Bug's Life
Explore the origins of Pixar's second feature film, "A Bug's Life," based on Aesop's fable, "The Ant and the Grasshopper." Discover how the film's development team and star-studded voice cast came together, including Dave Foley as Flik, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Princess Atta, and Kevin Spacey as Hopper.
The Tree of Life
Learn about the creation of Disney's iconic Tree of Life and the official story behind it. Delve into the initial concepts for what was to be housed inside the tree, including shows based on "Wonders of Nature" and "The Lion King."
Making the Attraction
Discover the making of the attraction "It's Tough to Be a Bug," from the role of Rhythm and Hues Studios to the design of the 428-seat theater. Understand how practical effects and animatronics, like Flik and Hopper, played a key role in the show's success.
California Adventure
Explore how the attraction made its way to California Adventure, initially part of Bountiful Valley Farm and eventually expanding into "A Bug's Land." Learn about the attraction's closing in 2018 to make way for Avengers Campus.
Changes and Future
Find out about upcoming changes, including the announcement that a Zootopia show will replace "It's Tough to Be a Bug" at a later date.
Our Memories of the Show
The hosts share their personal memories and experiences related to the show.
Where to Find Us
Connect with the 90s Disney Podcast and share your own memories and thoughts on the show. Send your questions and comments to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and stay updated on the latest episodes and Disney nostalgia.
Links
Disney and More: Disney's Animal Kingdom Original Artwork
AllEars: Walt Disney World Chronicles - The Story of the Tree of Life
MiceChat: It's Tough to Be a Bust - The Rhythm and Hues Bankruptcy
Disney Lists: 8 Facts and Secrets about 'It's Tough to Be a Bug'
50 min
October 23, 2023 52.5 - Original Parks Characters
From Figment to Duffy to Big Al, there's been a multitude of characters that originated from the parks. We talk about our favorites and hear what our community has to say as well!
36 min
October 01, 202352 - Journey into YOUR Imagination
Welcome to the 90s Disney Podcast! Join your hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti as they embark on a journey into the past to explore the history, evolution, and mixed legacy of the classic Disney attraction, "Journey Into Your Imagination."
Get ready to travel back to October 1, 1999, a time when "Stuart Little" was the number one movie, "Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas ruled the charts, and J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" had captivated readers' imaginations.
The Early History
Uncover the origins of "Journey into Your Imagination," which can be traced back to Disneyland's never-built Discovery Bay and a unique audio-animatronic show called "Professor Marvel's Gallery of Illusion." Learn about the original concept and how it evolved into the beloved attraction we remember.
The Original
Take a ride through the original "Journey into Imagination" attraction, where you boarded purple omnimover vehicles and explored scenes related to art, literature, performing arts, and science. Discover the magic of the Kodak ImageWorks and the innovative design of the ride.
Necessary Updates
Explore the reasons behind the need for updates to Disney attractions, including the pressure sponsors felt to keep rides fresh. Dive into the challenges faced by Kodak and Eisner's desire to rework the attraction. Learn how these factors influenced the changes made to "Journey into Your Imagination."
Your Imagination
Join the hosts on a virtual ride-through of "Journey into Your Imagination," where you'll experience the revamped attraction as it appeared in its new iteration. Discover the reworked storyline, characters, and effects introduced during this era.
The Reaction
Learn about the mixed reception that "Journey into Your Imagination" received from fans and park-goers. Understand why many were disappointed with the changes and the absence of Dreamfinder and Figment. Explore how this iteration of the attraction failed to capture the imagination of its audience.
With Figment!
Discover the rebirth of the attraction as "Journey into Imagination with Figment." Follow the hosts as they recount the reintroduction of Figment, the mischievous purple dragon, and his interactions with Dr. Nigel Channing. Explore the new sensory labs and the return of the beloved "One Little Spark" song.
Legacy Today
Explore the enduring popularity of Figment and Dreamfinder, despite the changes to the attraction. Dive into the character's appearances in various forms of Disney media and the continued fan appreciation for the original version of the ride.
Our Memories
Join the hosts as they share their personal memories and experiences related to "Journey into Your Imagination" and its various iterations. Discover the impact this attraction had on their Disney journeys.
Where to Find Us
Connect with the 90s Disney Podcast and share your own memories and thoughts on the show. Send your questions and comments to ⁠[email protected]⁠ and stay updated on the latest episodes and Disney nostalgia.
Links
Explore more about the history of "Journey Into Your Imagination" and its legacy:
⁠Theme Park Tourist - Journey Into Your Imagination⁠

⁠Theme Park Tourist - Journey Into Imagination: A Timeless Tale of Disney's Lost Attraction Masterpiece⁠

⁠WDWNT - The Complete History of Journey Into Imagination⁠

⁠Wikipedia - Journey Into Imagination with Figment⁠

⁠YouTube - Journey Into Imagination with Figment Ride-Through⁠
Listen to this episode and more on your favorite podcast platform! Imagination is the key to a world of wonder.
1 hr 3 min

About 90s Disney

From the publisher's feed

90s Disney is a podcast covering everything about the Mouse House's raddest decade. Each episode goes in depth on a single 90s Disney topic, be it from the parks, movies, video games, or whatever!