
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What do gremlins, sweet potatoes, rivets, and Sherlock Holmes have to do with Mr. Toad?
In this episode, we find ourselves merrily on our way to a new series featuring Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride as we dive into our fourth season of Distory! In order to fully understand the only “Mister” in Disneyland, we begin with exploring the making of the package film that started it all: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Along the way, we discover what Disney studios was doing during the Second World War, hear some tea about author Roald Dahl (and some dubious ways he became famous), and explore the turbulent road to this film’s production. Kate shares some deleted scenes and character voices, Kirk ponders the creative choices made that changed the story from the original book, and we both discuss how pacing and storytelling evolved for Disney in this era that sent us on the madcap adventure that is Mr. Toad.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
Why are there so many random lawn ornaments in the new Haunted Mansion queue?
On this episode of Distory, we use our knowledge of the history of the Haunted Mansion to try to make sense of the new expanded queue in Disneyland. We start with some discussion about why Disneyland’s queue is so drastically different than Disney World’s interactive one before inching our way past each gargoyle, owl, face, and statue in this unusual queue. Along the way we find the origin of the word panic, find some lost concepts, and discover an overarching theme that is evident in an abundance of props that most people are missing. Kirk talks green men, Kate makes an argument for a catgoyle, and we both share our thoughts about Imagineering’s choices in this redesign (as well as some things we wish would have happened… but didn’t).
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
There’s more to the new Haunted Mansion extended queue than meets the eye.
In this episode of Distory, we return to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion to find some hidden secrets and stories woven throughout the new extended queue area. We wind through this area one small step at a time to analyze each detail, including meaningful foxes, menacing cats, watchful ravens, spooky owls, repurposed props, and throwbacks to lost Haunted Mansion history that has been forgotten over time. Along the way, Kate finds herself saying things she shouldn’t about mirror balls, Kirk sings some crazy animal songs, and we both geek out over a fountain and gazebo that are hiding some dark secrets.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
What do oscilloscopes, Swiss cheese, and Barack Obama have to do with Disney’s defunct Skyway ride?
On this episode of Distory, we fly up above the Disney parks like a tea-tray in the sky as we board a bucket for the Skyway in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This gondola ride not only provided a picture-perfect view of the parks, it carried history with it from some unique places in Europe where Walt spent time (possibly escaping his brother). As we walk through the concepts, creation, and evolution of this beloved attraction, we learn about the art of the Fantasyland sky station, what the inner section of the Matterhorn was called, some unique railing designs, and the rumors (and facts) about why this ride closed. Kirk says something Kate never thought he would say, Kate visits an Amish barn, and we end this episode discussing the Magic Kingdom version and talking about where you can find some remnants of this defunct attraction today in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
When it comes to obscure Disney history, there is so much to be thankful for. From tiny pants to exploding sewer pipes, this episode truly has it all.
In this episode of Distory, we each bring three unique stories from Disney history that people rarely talk about but we are thankful for. Kate kicks it off with what Lillian Disney thought of Walt’s food habits. Kirk then discusses a bizarre wardrobe choice from a Disney executive, before giving us the inside scoop on exactly why Disney World churros are not as good as the Disneyland ones (and the answer might surprise you!). Kate visits some lost Disneyland quick-service restaurants, Kirk relives his fond memories of a playground in MGM studios, and Kate shares two stories from the Red Wagon/Plaza Inn that are both a little shocking and hilarious.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
How did Epcot evolve from an experimental prototype community to a theme park with an identity crisis?
In this episode of Distory, we wrap up our exploration of the evolution of EPCOT by discovering what happened to Walt’s concept of a futuristic community after he passed away. To get some context of how the team was trying to make it happen despite the loss, we review some rare WED 1973 inter-office memos that reveal the thoughts and design direction of what EPCOT could be. We also walk through the ways the Imagineers had to get creative in order to save the concept from being scrapped altogether during the 1970s energy crisis. Kirk finds a bizarre lost bathroom, Kate discovers the origins of a favorite Food & Wine festival snack, and we wrap up this series finally putting to rest what country youactually start in for the World Showcase (historically speaking).
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
Why did Walt Disney have Herb Ryman's E.P.C.O.T.'s concept art altered from the original version? In this episode of Distory, we go back in time to explore the E.P.C.O.T. that never was, Walt Disney's original vision for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. After exploring the influence of Victor Gruen on Walt's plans, we move through the city step-by-step, finding nooks and crannies of previously unexplored history along the way courtesy of a Distory listener's exclusive interview with Imagineer George McGinnis. Along the way, we find some not-so-magical policies that the average American wouldn't particularly like, a pub that pays homage to a Disney animation hangout, and a lost airport that can still (sort of) be found at Walt Disney World today.
Note: Note: This episode sadly had some conversion issues, causing the audio to not sync perfectly with the video at times. Our apologies!
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
How did Walt’s past impact his decision to create an experimental community of tomorrow?
In this episode of Distory, we begin a new series exploring the origins of EPCOT, beginning with Walt Disney’s Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. But before we dive into the details of this utopian city, we have to give some context behind WHY Walt would want to create a city when he had spent most of his life focused on animation, movies, and theme parks. From explaining Disney’s impact on urban planning to understanding Walt’s legacy, this introspective episode delves into the mind of Walt to help us understand why E.P.C.O.T. was so important to him. Kate also gives us some rabbit-hutch insight into the world of Disney’s Hyperion studio, Kirk shares an unusual source of funding for CalArts, and we discuss how project timelines in the Disney parks have changed from 1955 to the present day.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
What three unexpected characters show up inside of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?
In this episode of Distory, we hop aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World to ride through Disney’s newest Snow White attraction. On our way, we spot some recycled pieces from an old ride we’ve seen before, hear about how Dopey got his ear wiggle, get mad about sticking tommies, and discover all the ways the Imagineers integrated pieces of the classic 1937 animated film into this attraction. Kirk gets shocked by a hidden Mickey he didn’t know about, Kate discusses Joe Grant’s inspiration for the Witch, and we spend a little time in the cottage finding turtles, candlesticks, and a pair of hands that are MUCH too large for our comfort.
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
What hidden stories can be found in the trees in Disneyland?
In the Distorian's Lounge with Kate this week, we return to Disneyland to tell 10 more tree-mendous tales of unique trees in Disneyland that all have stories to tell. From condolence trees to ones that trick your perception of the park, these stories include some obscure details that even the biggest Disney history fans may not have heard before. As we make our way around Disneyland on this tree tour, we learn about how Lillian was irritated with Walt (and how he tried to appease her the wrong way), a tree that went missing in Fantasyland, and another one that did a little traveling over the years. We end our tour with a famous Disneyland resident that some people often overlook and a little preview of Kate’s upcoming book.
(Note: Kirk and his family are safe and well after Hurricane Milton, we hope to return to our Snow White series next week!)
Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern for more Distory!
Kate’s YouTube: @disneycicerone
You can also find us on YouTube, 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.
Distory T-shirts and Stickers
Kate's books on Amazon
WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch
From the publisher's feed

11,562 Listeners

12,872 Listeners

3,181 Listeners

371 Listeners

215 Listeners

590 Listeners

798 Listeners

1,167 Listeners

529 Listeners

1,042 Listeners

85,598 Listeners

13,040 Listeners

5,850 Listeners

19,126 Listeners

12,462 Listeners