Cartoons to Castles: The History Behind the Mouse and Magic
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -Co-hosts—and best friends—Jessica McDonald and Melanie Gable take a lively, conversational approach to exploring a new Disney history topic during each bi-weekly episode. With special guests from the Disney community and fandom, “Cartoons to Castles” aims to look at the history of one of the world’s greatest entertainment companies from a fresh, contemporary perspective. Not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.
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Episodes
25. Walt Disney World Grand Opening - October 1971
September 30, 2021 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBTravel back in time to 1971 for the opening of Walt Disney World! The Most Magical Place on Earth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, so Jessica and Melanie thought it was the perfect time to dive into the park's early days. If you love classic Walt Disney World, this episode is a must-listen! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com...
24. The 1st Anniversary Clip Show!
September 15, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBTake a stroll down memory lane with some of the funniest moments from the first year of the podcast! Jessica and Melanie unbox VHS tapes of Disneytoon movies, discuss "The Little Mermaid" fish nuggets, laugh at IMDB reviews of Disney Channel Original Movies, discuss "The Three Caballeros" with Jessica's daughter, break down Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary special, and more. We hope you enjoy this shenanigans-filled episode! Summer is coming to a close, so brand new episodes of "Cartoon...
23. 1st Anniversary Special with Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton!
July 16, 2021 18:00 - 2 hours - 91.2 MBIt's the one-year anniversary of "Cartoons to Castles" and we're having a party! Special guests Tiff Mink, Sarah Sterling, Erika Kurzawa, and Tiffany Lanae Sutton join the fun for this 2-hour extravaganza! In the first hour of the episode, Tiff and Sarah dish with Jessica and Melanie about rare characters found in Disney Parks all over the world. Tune in to hear about the wacky and wonderfully weird characters that have been featured at the parks throughout their history, as well as the lad...
22. Lilo & Stitch
June 23, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBGo on a Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride as we explore the history of the 2002 Disney animated film "Lilo and Stitch." Melanie shares stories and insights about the making of this unique movie, which started out as a children's book pitch and became one of Walt Disney Animation's biggest surprise hits. Jessica talks about the film's three (!) premieres, gives a dramatic reading of Roger Ebert's review, and reveals the places you can find Stitch in Disney's theme parks worldwide. There's so much ...
21. Matterhorn Bobsleds
June 07, 2021 23:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBDisneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction turns 62 years old this month, and co-hosts Jessica and Melanie set out to uncover the history of this one-of-a-kind, iconic roller coaster. From its early beginnings as a wild idea inspired by Walt Disney’s trip to Switzerland, to the current updates required to keep this groundbreaking feat of Imagineering running, the story of the Matterhorn is as full of twists and turns as the ride itself. Don’t miss this episode if you love classic Disneyland...
20. Disney-MGM Studios with Tiffany Lanae Sutton
May 26, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBWhat do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bette Midler, defunct tram tours, Michael Eisner, "Ernest Saves Christmas," Robin Williams, motorcades, and Dorothy's ruby slippers all have in common? Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios! Special guest Tiffany Lanae Sutton, a Disney-MGM superfan, takes co-hosts Jessica and Melanie on a trip down memory lane to visit her favorite Disney park during its heyday when it was both a working film and animation studio AND a theme park. Known today as Dis...
19. Disney Cruise Line
May 12, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBSet sail on a voyage into the history of Disney Cruise Line, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this month! To mark the occasion, co-hosts Jessica and Melanie discuss the origins of DCL, compare the four current ships, and share their thoughts on the recent Disney Cruise Line announcements for 2022 and beyond. If you love Disney cruises, or have ever daydreamed about going on one, this is the episode for you! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd...
18. Kathryn Beaumont
April 21, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBDisney Legend Kathryn Beaumont had the honor of voicing not one, but TWO iconic characters in Walt Disney Animation classics: the title role in "Alice in Wonderland" and Wendy Darling in "Peter Pan." Jessica and Melanie explore Kathryn's legacy and her childhood experiences working with Walt Disney himself, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from her time playing the live action versions of Alice and Wendy on television and in the reference films made for the animators. Jessica also talks ...
17. Disney Pin Trading with Sarah Sterling
March 24, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBPin pals Jessica and Melanie geek out about all things Disney Pin Trading with their special guest: vlogger and Disney superfan Sarah Sterling! Not only is Sarah a pin trading aficionado, but as a former Disneyland Resort Cast Member she had an insider look at pin trading at the parks. She shares her insights on trading etiquette, rare pins, how to spot fakes, where to find Disney pins outside of the theme parks, and more. Jess and Mel also discuss the origins of Disney Pin Trading and the e...
16. Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean
March 10, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB"Mark well me words, mateys: Dead...men...tell...no...tales!” Hosts Jessica and Melanie set out on the high seas of Disney history by taking on one of the most beloved theme park attractions of all time: Pirates of the Caribbean! This episode focuses on the conception, construction, opening, and updates of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean, with quotes and anecdotes from Walt Disney, Imagineers, and the opening day press. The hosts also give their personal takes on the changes the ride h...
15. The Lion King Musical with Carla Renata
February 24, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBBe prepared (haha) for a great episode all about the first Los Angeles production of "The Lion King" from one of the cast members herself: Carla Renata! You may know Carla as Janet from the NBC sitcom "Superstore," or from her YouTube channel "The Curvy Critic aka Carla Renata," but from 2000 to 2003 she also had the unique experience of playing Shenzi in the long-running hit show "The Lion King" at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Jessica and Melanie have a heartfelt, frank, and funny discus...
14. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with Mindy Marzec
February 10, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBThis week Jessica and Melanie talk Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings with blogger, podcaster, and Disney weddings expert Mindy Marzec! Jessica takes you through the origins of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program, and Melanie discusses the additions of Disney Cruise Line and Aulani weddings to the roster, as well as the inclusion of LGBTQ ceremonies. Mindy lends her expertise to the conversation, shares details from her own Disneyland Resort wedding, and makes her predictions for the future of Di...
TEASER - Episode 14 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep.
February 03, 2021 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 14, available February 10th! Plus, Jessica and Melanie discuss their recent experience (virtually) attending a complimentary preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Virtual Escape Room. The ladies teamed up with other Disney podcasters and content creators over Zoom to solve riddles and clues related to the museum’s exhibits! You can learn more about how to have your own Walt Disney Family Museum Virtual Escape Room event here: https://www.waltdisney.org/virt...
13. Society of Explorers & Adventurers (S.E.A.) with Tiff Mink
January 27, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB“Exploratio Continua!” - Society of Explorers & Adventurers motto On this week's episode, Disney superfan and vlogger Tiff Mink leads Jessica and Melanie on an expedition into the fun, fascinating world of the S.E.A. Never heard of the Society of Explorers & Adventurers? Neither had the co-hosts until their guest brought the topic to their attention! With influences clearly drawn from the Indiana Jones movies, steampunk, aviation history, the Old West, and more, this fictional organization w...
Teaser - Episode 13 Topic & Guest Revel + Bonus Ep. 3 Preview
January 20, 2021 20:00 - 8 minutes - 5.76 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 13, available January 27th! Plus, listen to a preview of our third Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about Disney Parks birthday celebrations! On this episode exclusively for "Cartoons to Castles" Patreon subscribers, Jessica and Melanie discuss Mickey's Birthdayland, Disneyland's 35th anniversary, Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary, and the 100 Years of Magic celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth. Starting at just $3 a mont...
12. Star Tours/RX-24 with Chris Runco
January 13, 2021 08:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB"Welcome aboard! This is Captain Rex from the cockpit. I know this is probably your first flight, and it's...mine, too! Haha!" On their first episode of 2021, Jessica and Melanie are joined by retired Imagineer Chris Runco, who created Captain RX-24, the rookie pilot droid that took guests on a wild ride aboard the Star Speeder 3000 in the original version of Star Tours at Disney Parks. In addition to his work on Star Tours, Chris was a key player in the development of attractions for Disney...
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 16, 2020 10:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBFor the last episode of 2020, Jessica and Melanie take a festive look at the making of the beloved holiday movie "The Muppet Christmas Carol." The 1992 film tells the tale of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in a uniquely Muppet fashion, with Academy Award winner Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Jessica and Melanie reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, insightful backstories, and fun trivia about the movie, as well as share personal stories from listeners about what this classic family fil...
TEASER - Episode 11 Topic Reveal + Bonus Ep. 2 Preview
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.27 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 11, available December 16! Plus, listen to a preview of our second Patreon-exclusive bonus episode, all about the "Star Wars Holiday Special"! You can access this and other bonus episodes and benefits by joining our Patreon for only $3 a month. Check out the tiers and perks at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening! For bonus co...
10. The Disney Monorail with Jeff Kurtti
December 02, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBJessica and Melanie are joined this week by Disney expert Jeff Kurtti, author of The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky. Jeff discusses the history behind the monorails at Disney's theme parks, but he focuses largely on the process of collaborating on the book with co-authors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski, which involved delving into the Walt Disney Archives and talking to some of the Disney legends who worked with Walt Disney himself. Jessica and Melanie also share some perso...
TEASER - Episode 10 Topic & Guest Reveal + Thanksgiving Message
November 25, 2020 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.14 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 10, available December 2nd! Then stick around for a special Thanksgiving message from co-hosts Jessica and Melanie. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles. Starting at just $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, a pr...
9. The Sherman Brothers with Randy Thornton
November 18, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBDisney Music Group's supervising producer and musical historian Randy Thornton joins Jessica and Melanie to talk about the Sherman Brothers, the Academy Award-winning songwriting duo behind some of Disney's greatest film and theme park hits, including "Let's Get Together," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "It's a Small World (After All)," "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room," and much more. As a producer at Walt Disney Records, Randy worked personally with Robert and Richard Sherman and shares some of the histor...
TEASER - Episode 9 Topic & Guest Reveal + Bonus Ep. Preview
November 11, 2020 11:00 - 8 minutes - 5.88 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 9, available November 18! Also, instead of a mini episode this week, you'll get a preview of our very first BONUS EPISODE, which will be available today only to subscribers to our brand new Patreon! Starting at only $3 a month, you can join our Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes, a private Facebook group, e-newsletter, and more. You can check out the benefits and tiers at https://www.patreon.com/cartoonstocastles. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to...
8. The Haunted Mansion
October 21, 2020 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB"Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell...Give us a hint…by ringing a bell!" Join your "ghost hosts" Jessica and Melanie for a delightful and frightful journey into the history of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Hear the tales behind the inspiration and creation of the classic spooky attraction, as well some of the urban legends surrounding the haunts and their happy home. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thank y...
TEASER - Episode 8 Topic Reveal + Q&A Mini Ep.
October 14, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBGet a spooky sneak peek of episode 8, available October 21st! (Apologies in advance from the "ghost hosts" for being unable to get through the promo without laughing.) And on this week's mini episode, Jessica and Melanie answer listener questions about their favorite Disney Parks attractions, most magical Disney moments, best research sources, and more! Plus, who are Peter Pan Lady and Hat Man? Listen to find out! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed the podcast, we'...
7. Mary Blair with Ashley Taylor
October 07, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBArtist Ashley Taylor (Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Merchandise, Wonderground Gallery, Her Universe) joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney Legend Mary Blair! A unique, talented artist who left an indelible print on The Walt Disney Company, Blair is perhaps best known for designing the Disneyland attraction "it's a small world," as well as for her concept art for Disney animated films "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland, "Peter Pan," and more. The ladies share some of the bac...
TEASER - Episode 7 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep.
September 30, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 9.84 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 7, available October 7th! And on this week's mini episode the ladies discuss "Mickey Mouse Disco," then Melanie sits down for a candid interview about "Duck Tales," "The Three Caballeros," and ride breakdowns with Jessica's five-year-old daughter Amelia! (Spoiler alert: It's adorable.) Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.in...
6. The Three Caballeros with Bernardo De Paula
September 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBJoining Jessica and Melanie for this week's episode is José "Zé" Carioca himself, "Duck Tales" actor Bernardo De Paula! The trio talk all things "The Three Caballeros," including the making of the original 1944 film, Zé's iconic status in Brazil, the Caballeros on the small screen, Disney Parks meet-and-greets, malfunctioning animatronics, and more. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Th...
TEASER - Episode 6 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep.
September 16, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 6, available September 23rd! Then, during the latest mini episode, Jessica and Melanie discuss which Disney Channel Original Movies are turning 20 this year. Where has the time gone? Also, WHO'S DUFFY? (You'll have to listen to find out.) Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes once they're live. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout...
5. Disney Channel Original Movies with Tiffany Lanae Sutton
September 09, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBFor this episode, Jessica and Melanie are joined by actress, Disneybounder extraordinaire, and unofficial queen of Disney Channel Original Movie knowledge, Tiffany Lanae Sutton. Join the ladies on a journey through "DCOM" history, from the early tearjerkers to the latest tween musicals. Peppered with strange IMDB reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, personal movie rankings, trivia, Cheetah Girl obsessions, and more, this episode is packed with fun. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. A...
TEASER - Episode 5 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep.
September 02, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 5, available September 9th! Then, this week's special guest sticks around to discuss Michael Eisner, Goofy imposters, John Ritter, Camp Inch, and more fun trivia about "The Parent Trap" with Jessica and Melanie. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date and get immediate access to new episodes once they're live. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future episode! Than...
4. The Parent Trap with Pernell Langhorne III
August 26, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB"So to make 'em dig, first you gotta rig. Whaddya gotta rig? The Parent Trap!" Join Jessica and Melanie as they discuss The Parent Trap with special guest Pernell Langhorne III. Melanie shares behind-the-scenes stories from the original 1961 film starring Hayley Mills (and Hayley Mills!) as twins Susan and Sharon, who try to get their divorced parents back together. Jessica talks about the wacky made-for-T.V. sequels, which include real-life triplets and a Hawaiian honeymoon! Pernell walks ...
TEASER - Episode 4 Topic & Guest Reveal + Mini Ep.
August 19, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 8.25 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 4, available August 26th. Plus, things get a bit...fishy...when Jessica and Melanie do a deep dive into some Disney products from the past. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. You might even get a shoutout on a future episode! Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCast...
3. Disney Memorabilia with Caitlin McHugh Stamos
August 12, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBActress and model Caitlin McHugh Stamos joins Jessica and Melanie this week to discuss Disney memorabilia! Caitlin shares stories about the incredible Disney treasures she and her husband John have collected over the years, while Jessica and Melanie highlight the rarest, weirdest, and most valuable Disney collectibles in the world, along with the surprising history behind the objects. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or RE...
TEASER - Episode 3 Topic & Guest Reveal + NEW Segment!
August 05, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 9.45 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 3, available August 12th! Plus, check out the new segment "Corrections & Clarifications," where Jessica and Melanie expand on a few details and questions from episode 2. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles. Logo designed ...
2. Disneytoon Studios with Erika Kurzawa
July 29, 2020 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBJessica and Melanie discuss the rise, heyday, and fall of Disneytoon Studios with special guest Erika Kurzawa (CastleCravings.com, "Disney Family Sundays"). Disneytoon Studios, under its various names, produced 47 feature films from 1990 to 2015, but even hardcore Disney fans are often unaware that the studio was a separate entity from Walt Disney Feature Animation. Check out this episode for behind-the-scenes stories, scrapped movie ideas, dramatic readings of VHS cover descriptions, and mo...
TEASER - Episode 2 Topic & Guest Reveal
July 22, 2020 07:00 - 1 minute - 1.02 MBGet a sneak peek of episode 2, available July 29th! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd RATE or REVIEW to help expand our audience. Thanks for listening! For bonus content, visit us at https://www.instagram.com/cartoonstocastles/ and https://twitter.com/CartoonsCastles. Logo designed by Ashley Taylor - https://loveashleydesigns.tumblr.com/ Theme music: “Taste of the French Quarter” by Rob Khurana via Storyblocks.com.
1. Disneyland's Opening Day - July 17, 1955
July 10, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBThe very first episode of “Cartoons to Castles” dives into the events surrounding the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955. Jessica and Melanie share the sweet, shocking, and hilarious stories from their research, covering everything from Walt & Lillian Disney’s 30th anniversary party in Frontierland (just days before the park opened), to the rough live opening day broadcast of “Dateline: Disneyland.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay update...