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Episode 116

Did you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a real working production studio—with animators, soundstages, and even the house from The Golden Girls?

Today, it’s now focused on immersion into the movies, but it’s had quite a journey to get here. In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—from its behind-the-scenes beginnings to its IP-packed present.

In this episode:

• The origin story of Disney-MGM Studios and its race to open before Universal
• Nostalgic memories of the Backlot Tour, animation studio, and Streets of America
• How the park shifted from “watch the magic” to “live the movie”
• What’s next for the park—including Muppets, Monsters, and more changes in 2025

Whether you miss The Great Movie Ride or love flying the Millennium Falcon, this episode is for you.

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Episode 115

What do Randy’s Donuts, a Hollywood parking lot papal announcement, and a Back to the Future dance party on the Universal backlot have in common? They were all part of our unforgettable family trip to Los Angeles.

In this episode, I’m sharing stories from our May adventure—from classic rides at Disneyland and fandom fun at Universal FanFest to the unexpected moments that made this trip so personal and inspiring.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Highlights from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, including 70th Anniversary touches
• Our first visit to Super Nintendo World and the magic of the Studio Tram Tour
• A night of cosplay, fandoms, and movie magic at Universal FanFest
• Stories from the rest of our LA trip—quirky finds, pop culture moments, and emotional surprises

So grab a snack and let’s head to LA!

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Episode 114

What do vintage cameras, organ concerts, and a pie recipe have in common? You’ll find them all at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY—where photography, film history, and personal storytelling collide.

In this episode, I’m sharing my visit to the former estate of Kodak founder George Eastman. Part historic mansion, part world-class photography museum, and part film archive, this place is a hidden gem for anyone who loves pop culture, innovation, or a good nostalgic moment.

Highlights include:

• How George Eastman changed photography forever
• The unexpected details that made his mansion unforgettable
• My favorite camera from the museum’s massive collection
• A rainbow wall of Kodak dye bottles (yes, really!)
• The quirky detail that made me stop in my tracks

This one’s a mix of history, heart, and pop culture appreciation.

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Episode 113

Have you ever tried a Slugburger? Or eaten chili straight out of a bag of Fritos? In this episode, we’re wrapping up our road trip series with a delicious detour through some of the quirkiest regional foods in the U.S.

We’re talking about:

• A burger stuffed with molten cheese in Minnesota
• Deep-fried Depression-era patties in Mississippi
• Pickles soaked in Kool-Aid (yes, really)
• Why a big plate of macaroni salad and meat sauce is the late-night dish in Rochester

Whether you’ve tried these dishes or never heard of them, each one tells a story—and might just inspire your next snack stop.

Let me know your favorite regional dish or quirky food find!

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Episode 112

Did you know many of today’s amusement parks started with a streetcar? In this episode, we’re rolling back to the late 1800s to explore the fascinating world of trolley parks—recreational destinations created by trolley companies that shaped American leisure time.

In this nostalgic ride, we’ll cover:

• How trolley parks began and why they were built
• What a day at a trolley park looked like in the early 1900s
• Historic parks that still operate today
• The lasting legacy and charm of these community-centered parks

Whether you’re a theme park fan or a history buff, you will enjoy this trip into the roots of American recreation.

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Episode 111

What makes a perfect road trip for theme park fans? In this episode, we head down the East Coast on a journey to six standout parks in the Mid-Atlantic. From chocolate-scented coasters to vintage carousels and European villages, this trip has something for everyone—whether you're in it for the thrills, the snacks, or the nostalgia.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

• A road trip-ready route from New York to Virginia
• The story behind America’s first planned amusement park
• Historic wooden coasters, including one that dates back to 1924
• A no-admission, pay-per-ride gem hidden in the hills of Pennsylvania
• Scenic spots, immersive theming, and chocolate—lots of chocolate

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or just love exploring unique theme parks, this episode is packed with ideas, stories, and standout stops.

You ready? Let’s roam.

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Episode 110

Ever watched a movie and thought, “That view can’t be real”? In some cases—it absolutely is.

From redwood forests to alien deserts, America’s national parks have quietly played starring roles in some of your favorite films. This week, we’re exploring the real-life landscapes behind iconic scenes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining, Dances with Wolves, and more.

In this episode:

• The national park that doubled as Endor
• Where to find Tatooine (without leaving Earth)
• The eerie road from The Shining’s unforgettable opening
• The park that’s appeared in everything from Stagecoach to Forrest Gump
• A Marvel bonus pick from the Utah desert

Grab your popcorn and your hiking boots—this cinematic road trip is worth the detour.

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Episode 109

Ever wish you could step into Radiator Springs? What if I told you it was inspired by real places you can actually visit?

This week, we’re hitting the road to explore the real-life Route 66 destinations that inspired Pixar’s Cars and Disney’s Radiator Springs. From the truck that became Mater to motels glowing with vintage neon, these spots bring the movie to life in the quirkiest and coolest ways.

In this episode:

• The Kansas gas station where the real Mater lives
• A vintage motel that inspired Sally’s Cozy Cone
• How Cadillac Ranch helped shape Ornament Valley
• The Arizona town that’s basically Radiator Springs in real life

Hit play, buckle up, and get ready to shout Ka-chow! as we explore the real places that helped inspire a pop culture classic.

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Episode 108

What is it about giant versions of everyday things that makes them so unforgettable? From a massive ketchup bottle to a frying pan big enough to cook 365 chickens, we’re diving into the wonderfully oversized world of America's quirkiest roadside giants.

In this episode:

• Where to find the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (and why it's still growing)
• Which giant landmark made it into a Twilight movie
• The office chair so big it once had a spiral staircase
• A stop that’s literally a giant picnic basket

Whether you're road-tripping soon or just daydreaming from your desk, this episode will leave you smiling.

🎧 Plus: Yeti’s Pop Pick features the brand-new Quirky & Cool Travel Guide — your go-to directory for weird, wonderful stops across the U.S. See it at https://quirkyandcool.com

You ready? Let’s roam.

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Episode 107

From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day.

In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive and emotionally powerful experiences. But the road wasn’t always smooth.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• What was open on Animal Kingdom’s opening day
• Guest confusion, early criticism, and the “half-day park” label
• The controversy around Kilimanjaro Safaris
• The Tree of Life’s hidden engineering (and creepy bug show)
• The rise of Asia and the Disco Yeti
• How Pandora – The World of Avatar changed everything

From Expedition Everest to floating mountains, Animal Kingdom has never stopped evolving—and it may have even more wild surprises in store.

Didn’t catch Part 1 yet? Go back and listen to the episode all about how Animal Kingdom came to life—from Joe Rohde’s vision to the park’s conservation mission.

You ready? Let’s roam.

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