The Mad Chatters join us to celebrate Toy Story’s 25th anniversary by diving into the many ways the series has been used at Walt Disney World, including:

• The disco version of When She Loved Me in Alien Swirling Saucers
• The mythology of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• The FAKE Pizza Planet
• The defunct Al’s Toy Barn at Hollywood Studios
• How Toy Story Mania changed Walt Disney World
• The famous walls of Toy Story Land
• and more!

Follow @MadChatters and @ParkPeoplePod on Instagram for more theme park content.

Music: "The Celebrated Minuet," Rafael Krux, public domain

Texting ducks. The famous left reindeer. A cow singing Mariah Carey in a disco ball sleigh. @david_takes_disney joins us to break down what might be Disney's craziest castle show of all time, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration.

Music: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Alexander Nakarada, public domain

Special guest Aaron Wallace, author of “Hocus Pocus In Focus: The Thinking Fan’s Guide To Disney’s Halloween Classic,” joins us for a deeeeeeep dive into Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! There’s a lot more to this castle show than meets the eye, and we explore it all:

• How Disney blacklisted Hocus Pocus for years

• Virginity as a theme in a Magic Kingdom stage show

• The show’s connection to Dream Along with Mickey

• The rise in popularity of villains and Disney’s failed attempts from history to spotlight them 

• Thackery Binx ripping a new one to Jiminy Cricket 

• How Cinderella has no regard for security at her home 

Join us as we discuss “the most villainous Halloween party this kingdom has ever seen"! We are so excited about this one and can’t wait for you to hear it.

Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain.

"It's a heartwarming story, but it's just not believable, which is why I give E.T. one and a half stars." Perd Hapley, Ya Herd with Perd

E.T. Adventure is sensory-filled and sometimes bizarre. This opening-day attraction takes place after the beloved film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," the 1982 classic that, when it was released, was the highest-grossing movie of all time. The ride at Universal Studios Florida is so special to director Steven Spielberg that he's even said if Universal ever tears it down, he will never make another movie for them again.

In this episode, we're going to talk about it all: the history, what the heck is going on in this strange ride, and what E.T. means to you, our listeners. We asked on Instagram @ParkPeoplePod for you to share what you think of E.T., and we'll be shouting out some of you on the show. Our friend Jonathan put it so well when he said, "E.T. is near and dear to my heart. He represents love, friendship, and childhood wonder." And we think E.T. Adventure continues all of those sentiments... conditionally.

Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain.

As theme parks open new attractions, inevitably that sometimes means that old things get replaced. Even when what comes next is objectively better, it can still be sad to see bits of theme park history fade away because of the deep-rooted memories we attach to those places and experiences. Today, we take a look back on some of our favorite extinct theme park attractions, and you can play along with us by thinking of your top three favorite theme park experiences that are no longer open, and seeing if any of ours match up with yours!

Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain.

Today we pause to recognize the 28,000 Cast Members who were laid off from Disney’s domestic theme parks in Florida and California and provide resources for those looking FOR help or those looking TO help.

"Helllllo there! Welcome to our little transdimensional joyride, folks." In this episode, we talk all things dinos, the coolest animals of all time that have a special place in the legacy of many of our favorite theme parks.

Life finds a way as we discuss:

• Jurassic Park: The Ride and Jurassic World: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Dinoland USA at Disney's Animal Kingdom, including Dinosaur, Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, and Donald's Dino-Bash
• Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure
• Runaway Reptar at Carowinds
• and more!

Follow on Instagram @ParkPeoplePod for daily theme park photos.
Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain.

There is storytelling, detail, and meaning behind your favorite theme parks. Let's explore them together.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter for daily theme park photos and conversation with other fans.

A Disney vacation can be expensive, but it doesn't have to cost as much money as you might think.

In this episode:

• The ins and outs of how to save money at Walt Disney World
• Orlando hotels: The good, the bad, and the yikes
• Tips for dining on a budget
• Free things to do on Disney property
• Weighing what's important to you on a vacation
• How expectation can change everything

Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @ParkPeoplePod for daily theme park photos and conversation with other fans.

Rivers of Light was meant to be a game-changer for Disney's Animal Kingdom, a mic drop nighttime spectacular that would help transform the park. It was not. In a saga of technical and creative difficulties ultimately leading to its closure just three years after its debut, come with us as we take a deep dive into what will be looked back on as one of the most infamous shows in Walt Disney World history.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @ParkPeoplePod for daily theme park photos and conversation with other fans.

Citations

• https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/05/rivers-of-light-nighttime-spectacular-coming-to-disneys-animal-kingdom/
• https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-disney-rivers-of-light-jungle-book-20160419-story.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaPsw4fEDvA&feature=youtu.be
• https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-xpm-2014-01-11-os-disney-animal-kingdom-rebuild-20140111-story.html 
• https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/
• https://blogmickey.com/2020/07/breaking-rivers-of-light-closed-forever-confirmation-of-primeval-whirl-and-stitchs-great-escape-permanent-closures/  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omXIsCxctxk
• https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours/september16.cfm