This week The Carousel Project is traveling to a galaxy far, far away to cover the history of the first Disney attraction to feature a non-Disney licensed IP. Josie, Kait, and Adam share their favorite Star Wars characters, their experiences on the original and current versions of the attraction, and tidbits on the attraction's evolution. Hop in your StarSpeeder as we travel around the galaxy and make sure you bring a disguise so that no one knows you're the rebel spy!

Behind The Attraction: Star Tours

Star Tours TV Special

Star Tours History - Yesterworld

The Story of Pal Mickey, Your Personal Disney Tour Guide

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own personal tour guide as you venture through the four Walt Disney World parks? If so, you won't want to miss this week's episode of the Carousel Project about Pal Mickey, a toy released in Walt Disney World in 2003 that helped guide you through the parks and even had games and trivia to keep you entertained! This week, Josie, Kait, and Adam break down the history of Pal Mickey, from its origins to future versions and even the different costumes you could buy to accessorize your own Pal Mickey! If they still sold Pal Mickey today, would you buy one?

D23 Article on Pal Mickey

Pal Mickey Repurposed as TV Remote

Video of Pal Mickey On Main Street at Magic Kingdom

Video of Pal Mickey in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Pal Mickey discussion on Reddit

You can't think about a trip to Disney without thinking about this classic Disney parks treat -- Dole Whip! Today, Josie, Kait, and Adam dive into the history of the Dole and Disney partnership, Dole Whip flavors, produce marketing campaigns, and more.  Can you guess each of our favorite Dole Whip flavors?

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights. This week on the Carousel Project we take a deep dive into the history of The Muppets and The Walt Disney Company. From Muppetland and Muppet Studios to the Fuzzy Renaissance, Josie, Kait, and Adam breakdown many of the benchmarks in this story which led to the eventual fusion on these two pop culture powerhouses in 2004. 

DefunctTV: Jim Henson

Fuzzy Renaissance Article

Muppetland: The Disneyland Invasion That Almost Happened

Muppet Studios: The Land That Never Was

We're starting off Season Two of the Carousel Project Podcast with a special part of Walt Disney World's history -- River Country. Less than five years after the Vacation Kingdom opened in Orlando, Florida, Disney was ready to add a water park to their property. In this episode of the Carousel Project, we cover the good, the bad, and the abandoned of the first themed water park. So grab your inner tube and get ready to dive into Season Two of the Carousel Project!

100 Years of Magic had so much to dive into - we made a BONUS EPISODE! 

The 100 Years of Magic celebration kicked-off at the Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 1, 2001 and was a once-in-a-lifetime event that every Disney fan should know about! 

Find us on Instagram for more information about Disney history, marketing, and public relations! 

Global Celebration of Children Announcement from WDC

Oh My Disney interview with Marty Sklar (Weenie Info)

Article on McDonald's 100 Years of Magic Promotion

One Man's Dream Dedication Event

100 Years of Magic Pin Set

100 Years of Magic Happy Meal Box

Walt Disney Company Annual Report 2001

New Horizons VoluntEARS Campaign

100 Years of Magic was an event to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Walt Disney himself! This celebration kicked off at Walt Disney World on Oct. 1, 2001 and lasted more than a year, featuring brand new attractions, parades, and experiences. In this episode of the Carousel Project, we head back to 2001 to explore this once-in-a-lifetime event! The 100 Years of Magic Celebration truly was a special moment in Disney history! 

100 Years of Magic Walt Disney World Press Releases

100 Years of Magic Commercial

100 Years of Magic Big Sister Commercial 

100 Years of Magic McDonald's Commercial

100 Years of Magic VHS

Share A Dream Come True Parade

D23 100 Years of Magic

Article on Opening Ceremonies

Photos & Videos from Each Parade in the Celebration

100 Years of Magic Planning Video

100 Years of Magic with Lindsay Lohan

100 Years of Magic Television Commerical (2002)

100 Years of Magic Resort TV

There's no better way to know what was going on at Walt Disney World during any period of time than to look at an old park map and times guide! In this episode, Kait and Josie travel back to 1993 to learn more about the marketing, partnerships, communication, and events going on at the parks! From a giant push for all things Aladdin to a 24/7 ice cream bar at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, it truly was a different (Walt Disney) World!  

1993 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Video 

1993 Magic Kingdom Park Guide Map

1993 Disney-MGM Studios Guide Map

1993 Walt Disney World Vacation Planner 

1993 Walt Disney World Times and Information Guide  

1993 Disneyland Guide Map  

The Monsanto House of the Future is, in our opinion, one of the most underrated, often-forgotten pieces of Disney history. In this episode of The Carousel Project, we take a deep dive into this unlikely partnership, a true sign of the times! 

House of the Future Tour 

Facts about the attraction 

Yesterland Hall of Chemistry/Monsanto Partnership

Monsanto timeline

Atomic Bomb research

How Futuristic was the Monsanto House of the Future? 

This week on the Carousel Project, we take a trip to Andy's Backyard to explore the opening of Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort! This highly anticipated land opening had many fun campaigns that Kait and Josie remember from just years before! Below, check-out some highlights from this opening event!

If you like what you hear this week, if you want to tell us your toy story, or if you want to suggest an episode topic of your own, make sure to leave us a review! ⭐️

Looking for more Carousel Project? Connect with us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/carouselprojectpodcast/ ☺️

Show notes:

Andy Night campaign: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/videos/50-andys-celebrate-during-andys-night-in-toy-story-land-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/

#FollowtheBall advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avMpbH_oU0g

Babybell Partnership announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mini-babybel-announced-as-the-official-snack-cheese-of-walt-disney-world-resort-disneyland-resort-and-disney-cruise-line-300541642.html