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Distory with Kate & Kirk
By Kate (Disney Cicerone) & Kirk (Walrus Carp)History
Distory with Kate & Kirk episodes
- 186. BONUS EPISODE: The Hardest Part of Being a Disney Creator
Being a Disney creator isn’t always easy. While there are plenty of magical and memorable moments, there are also struggles, failures, and opportunities to grow, many of which happen behind the scenes and go unseen by our audience.
On this special bonus episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we share a deeper look into our lives as Disney podcasters, creators, app developers, and authors. We talk about the ups and downs, what it really takes to be a Disney historian, and some of the personal lessons we’ve learned along the way. We also pull back the curtain on the work that goes into creating an episode of Distory, from research and writing to production and storytelling.
After a brief preview of our next Distory series, we dive into the realities of content creation, reflect on meaningful moments with our community, and open up about the more difficult parts of pursuing our dreams. We also share what we’re learning now and where we hope to go next as creators.
We hope this episode is both encouraging and inspirational for everyone who is pursuing their own dream, whatever it may be.
1 hr 39 min - 185. 6 Springtime Disney History Stories: Rare Moments & Disney Parks Details Hidden in Plain Sight
What history is hiding in plain sight in Disneyland’s central plaza hub? And what two favorite Disney parade songs have stories behind them that you’ve likely never heard before?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore 6 unique springtime stories throughout Disney history. Kate heads to Disneyland and takes a seat in the central plaza to observe some historic details you may not have noticed, reveals some duplicitous Disney artists, and tells the story of an iconic moment in Disneyland history (that guests never got to witness). Kirk brings his own rainy-day stories, with the history of a beloved park song, the origins of the topiaries in EPCOT Center, and a little meet and greet with two friendly Disney bunnies.
As we share this fun variety of Spring Disney history, we take a few moments along the way to ponder some hopeful messages that we hope will bring a little extra magic to your day.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 19 min - 184. Is Disneyland Paris the Best Version of Peter Pan’s Flight? : Comparing Anaheim vs. Paris - Peter Pan Part 9
Disneyland Paris is known for having some of the most beautiful and elaborate attractions of any Disney park. But is that also true for Peter Pan’s Flight?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly across the pond to explore the Disneyland Paris version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using historic photos, Imagineering design concepts, and primary source documents, we uncover how this attraction was created and take a virtual fly-through, comparing it side by side with the original ride in Disneyland, Anaheim.
Along the way, we visit the extinct Euro Disneyland preview center, discover props that were mistakenly thrown away, and discuss the early financial struggles of the park. After a brief creator break, where we share some of our own challenges and how we’ve overcome them, we return to the ride for one final flight… and realize that what we once thought was the superior version may not be the best after all.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 46 min - 183. What You Miss in the Queue of WDW's Peter Pan’s Flight: Where Imagineering Got It Right (and Wrong) - Peter Pan Part 8
The details in Disney's updated Peter Pan’s Flight queue are incredible, but most of them are overlooked by guests… and not all of them are accurate.
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore the queue of the Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and attraction photos, we break down the history, artistry, and design of this unique space while uncovering the deeper story behind its details.
As we move through this addition to the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, we uncover connections to Mary Blair’s concept art, examine Imagineering details, and explain how effects like Tinker Bell and the moving shadows are brought to life. Kirk dives into the history of dog collars and window frames, Kate decodes the stickers on Wendy’s suitcases and explores sketches from the original 1953 Darling nursery, and together we end in Pixie Passage while standing on a lost piece of Fantasyland history.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 42 min - 182. The Lost Scenes of Peter Pan’s Flight: What Imagineering Cut from the 1983 Disneyland Ride - Peter Pan Part 7
What scenes did Imagineering decide to eliminate from Peter Pan’s flight… and what characters disappeared in the process?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to explore the history of Disneyland’s 1983 version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we break down the design of each scene in the attraction and reveal several concepts that were planned but never built.
As we fly through the ride, we examine the sets piece by piece—exploring the chimney pots of London Town, uncovering unusual decor hidden in the streets below, and explaining the lighting effects that bring the flight over Neverland to life.
Along the way, Kate takes us down a rabbit trail to Disneyland’s Indian Village, Kirk analyzes some questionable pirate fashion and weaponry, and we both look for missing pirates before discovering an alternate ending that almost was… and wish had been.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 31 min - 181. Inside the Darling Nursery in Disneyland's Peter Pan's Flight: What Imagineering Included (and what they DIDN'T) - Peter Pan Part 6
The details of the Darling nursery tell a deeper story than most people realize. But what details did Imagineering decide NOT to include in this opening scene?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to tell the history of Disneyland’s 1983 Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we deep-dive into the details of this beautiful attraction, flying through the Nursery and Garden scenes.
Along the way, we identify some changes in the attraction from its opening to the current day, go down a rabbit trail to discover some obscure Disneyland history, and find an artifact from 1955. Kirk shares the history of hobby horses and alphabet blocks, Kate talks light traps and baffles, and we both explain some unique features of the garden and London mural as we fly away from the nursery window.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 4 min - 180. When Disney Destroyed Fantasyland: The 1983 Disneyland Rebuild & New Peter Pan's Flight - Peter Pan's Flight Part 5
In the 1980s, Imagineering completely tore apart Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. But how did they decide on what should replace it? And what did they decide NOT to build?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to Disneyland’s 1983 opening of New Fantasyland and Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and vintage photos, we deep-dive into the details of how they dismantled and rebuilt Walt’s original Fantasyland, including some concepts that never came to pass.
As we fly along, Kirk takes us on a tour of dormer windows, Kate points out some ideas that didn't pan out for Imagineering, and we both lament the loss of so much art and memories when the bulldozers tore down Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. While waiting for the dispatch of our pirate galleons, we research some common Disney rumors, discover what inspired some of the queue design, and learn from original work documents how Imagineering pivoted away from their first idea of simply copying the 1971 Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan's Flight.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
1 hr 19 min - 179. The Overlooked Details of 1971 WDW Peter Pan's Flight: Topless Mermaids, Mistakes, & Rare Photos - Peter Pan Part 4
Why did the mermaids change in Walt Disney World’s Peter Pan’s Flight, and how is their scandalous past connected to a classic Disneyland attraction?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we deep-dive into the details of what made this beautiful Disney ride, including a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.
Along the way, we identify art and meet a demonic doll in the Darling nursery, go for a ride in some classic Ford Model Ts on the streets of London, and discover the real height of Big Ben. Through behind-the-scenes vintage photos, we discover some cavalier painting, an incorrectly placed hook, and a noose that has disappeared over time.
Kirk reveals some truths about the Tick Tock Croc, Kate names some pirates, and we end this detailed exploration of the 1971 version of Peter Pan’s flight with a lost pirate song and scene from the original 1953 animated film.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Listen to the Living Seas edition of the Future World Soundtrack Series featuring "Suited for the Sea"
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 35 min - 178. Why Peter Pan Shouldn't Exist: How the Magic Kingdom Rewrote Fantasyland - Peter Pan Part 3
Peter Pan's Flight wasn't planned to be in Walt Disney World at all... in fact, Disney's Imagineers had an entirely different Fantasyland mapped out for their new Magic Kingdom. So, what changed?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Before we can step aboard our pirate galleon for the second iteration of this classic Disney ride, we have to first explore the unique development and construction of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland through historical photos, video, and maps.
Along the way, we walk through a rare Imagineering show guide and pre-opening Cast Member manual that gives us some special insight into the design of this attraction. Kirk walks us through the changes to the marquee out front, Kate reveals the hidden history of the area’s benches and a connection to Disneyland’s Fantasyland, and we discuss some brutal Medieval battle practices that will make you see the castle walls in a whole new light.
After pondering a rooster lantern and reading a vintage sign, we head into the load area to find a nod to the 1955 Disneyland version of Peter Pan and an upgrade to the loading process… that didn’t really make much of a difference in the end.
Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Listen to the Countdown to Extinction Original Exhibition score:
Listen to A Musical History of the Magic Kingdom
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 8 min - 177. Disneyland’s Original 1955 Peter Pan’s Flight: Rare Imagineering Art & a Virtual Fly-Thru - Peter Pan Part 2
How was the ending of Peter Pan’s Flight more terrifying (and disappointing) in 1955? And what object did guests tend to tear off the attraction to keep as a souvenir?
On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the 1955 version of Disneyland’s Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we explore the concepts, creation, and construction of this beautiful Disney ride, culminating in a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.
Along the way, we find some bizarre old character costumes, a few alternate names for the attraction, a dangerous accident witnessed by a Disney animator, and some slapdash ride construction as Disney raced to open the park on time. Kate shares some rare historical photos, Kirk makes some sound effects, and we end this episode with a virtual stop at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship to dine with Disneyland’s resident peg-leg pirate.
Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.com
View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.
Kate’s Books
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
MOWD app
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate’s Substack
1 hr 29 min
About Distory with Kate & Kirk
From the publisher's feed
Exploring the history of the Disney Parks (with a dash of the ridiculous!), Distory with Kate and Kirk is an adventure into the fascinatingly obscure details that have made the Disney parks what they…
are today.
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