Distant Disney
140 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsLife may have taken these two former Disney World cast members away from central Florida, but that won't stop them from discussing (in great detail) all of the attractions, events, and experiences that the Disney (and maybe some other) parks have to offer.
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Episodes
Goodbye
September 28, 2021 06:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBAll good things must come to and end, and this is the end of Distant Disney. In early October, this podcast feed will shut down, and we will stop posting regularly scheduled episodes. But, if you ever want to listen to our archived episodes, they now live on our new Youtube channel! We'll be uploading videos to the channel gradually over a little period of time for anyone who wants to reference our more researched and informative episodes! Thank you to everyone who ever listened! Thank...
Disney's Newest Attraction: Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
September 14, 2021 06:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBStick around to the end of the episode for a major announcement regarding this podcast! But in our main topic this week we're profiling Epcot's upcoming new attraction Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Long delayed due to the pandemic, this attraction is opening with a new expansion of the France pavilion on October 1st. Music by Colin Paul
Disney Genie+ and the Iowa State Fair
August 31, 2021 06:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBWe're back! In our news segment, we're breaking down Disney's recently announced service Genie and Genie+, what can you use it for, and how much it will cost. Part of this new tool will be completely replacing the existing FastPass+ system. Then, in our main segment, Brandon tells us about what it's like to be at one of the nation's largest state fairs - the Iowa State Fair. Music by Colin Paul
We'll Be Back Next Week!
August 24, 2021 06:00 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MBHey everybody! We don't have a new episode this week.. but we'll be back next Tuesday with a profile of one of the nation's most prominent state fairs - The Iowa State Fair! So check this feed one week from now for the continuation of new episodes about Disney Parks and more! (And don't worry, we'll be talking all about the news that's been dropping lately).
Muppet Vision 3D and the History of Muppets in Disney World
August 10, 2021 06:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBTucked into a small corner of Disney's Hollywood Studios, Muppet Vision 3D has been hosting guests for thirty years. While the surrounding areas of the park have seen, shall we say, drastic renovations and rethemes throughout that time, this stalwart little attraction remains nearly unchanged from its opening day version. This week, we're taking a look at the history of this classic 3D attraction, the massive land that was originally planned for the area, as well as the other iterations of...
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
July 27, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBEp 127 - Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is now live! Despite being over ninety years old, Mickey Mouse has never had a starring role in an attraction - until very recently, that is! Check out this week's episode to learn all about this ground breaking attraction. Music by Colin Paul
Main Street Vehicles
July 13, 2021 06:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBNote: This episode was recorded before the tragic events that resulted in one child's death at Adventureland Resort in Iowa. Although we coincidentally talked about the park this week, we will discuss this tragedy in the next episode. We're bringing a slightly abbreviated show this week due to Danny's upcoming move! But that won't stop us from talking all about those iconic Main Street vehicles that you can observe, and yes, ride! Music by Colin Paul.
The Best Bars in Disney World
June 29, 2021 18:02 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBThis week on Distant Disney, we're listing our favorite places to kick back and get a drink throughout Disney World! We're exploring the best watering holes in the parks, resorts and Disney Springs. So if you like to relax with a cold drink on your vacation, this episode is for you! Music by Colin Paul.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
June 15, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBYou may love this attraction, you may hate it. Either way, this attraction has been mired in controversy for decades. This week, as Danny slowly melts in his recording space, we're taking a look back at this once iconic attraction's staggering demise to one of the most maligned attractions in all of Disney World. Music by Colin Paul
The One Where They Interview Former Disneyland Cast Member Julia
June 01, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBWe're joined this week by special guest Julia, a former Disneyland cast member whose roles included Park Greeter and Entertainment host! We asked her all about her time with Disney, from her beginning with the Disney Dreamer's Academy to ultimately being caught up in the massive layoffs last year. Music by Colin Paul
The Swan & Dolphin and Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
May 18, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBIn our final installment of our resorts series, we're profiling the pairs of Disney hotels - Swan & Dolphin and the Yacht & Beach Clubs. Although all four of these resorts are part of the Epcot resort area, two of them actually aren't Disney resorts at all! Music by Colin Paul
More Flags More Fun - A History of Six Flags
May 04, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBWe're taking a brief respite from our exhaustive exploration of Disney World resorts to profile the largest regional theme park company in the world. Odds are, if you haven't already been to a Six Flags park, you know someone who has. This company that is only a few years younger than Disneyland itself, has grown to be recognized across the globe - but not without some major speed bumps. We'll be talking about Six Flags' chaotic history in this week's episode. Music by Colin Paul
The Origins of the Disney Vacation Club and Disney's Old Key West Resort
April 20, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBWe've been talking a lot about Disney's in house time-share program, the Disney Vacation Club. But where did this initiative come from? This week, we're answering that question and looking at the very first DVC resort: Old Key West. Music by Colin Paul
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
April 06, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBThis week on Distant Disney Brandon takes us through one of Disney World's flagship resorts: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Arguably the most elegant of all the Disney resorts, the Grand Floridian will set you back a fair amount to stay there. But its intricate design, famous Signature dining, and seamless blending of Victorian architecture with modern amenities like the attached monorail station, make this resort a must-see. We're also supporting a friend of the show's new end...
Disney's Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resorts
March 23, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBWe're covering two ends of the resort timeline this week - Caribbean Beach was the first moderate resort to open, and Riviera Resort was the newest resort to open (and last before the pandemic began!) Check out this episode if you're considering staying in either of these resorts, or like us, you just miss wandering through the Disney resorts! Music by Colin Paul
Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Boardwalk Inn Resorts
March 09, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBThese two deluxe resorts may draw their themes from two opposite American coasts, but we think that you'll love them no matter where you're from! Wilderness Lodge, with its babbling creeks and tranquil forests draws the nature lovers. While Boardwalk Inn, bringing the excitement of Atlantic City and Coney Island provides nightlife for all of the partiers who find themselves vacationing at Disney World! Should you stay at one of these hotels? Check out this episode and you might just have...
Intermission
March 02, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.49 MBUnfortunately, we don't have a new episode for you this week! Danny was exposed to Covid and had to self-isolate in a location separately from his recording equipment. We'll try to get a new episode on this feed for next Tuesday though! Stay safe, everyone. Music by Colin Paul.
Saratoga Springs and Art of Animation Resorts
February 16, 2021 22:19 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBOur next two resorts on our journey through Disney World's hotels bring us to affluent New England horse-racing grounds as well as the whimsical world of larger-than-life animation. They also reflect two completely different travel budgets! Music by Colin Paul
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the All Star Resorts
February 02, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the All Star Resorts (comprised of Music, Sports and Movies hotels) - two titans of Disney hotels, but for very different reason. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only hotel on property where you can actually see some of the animals you may get to meet at Animal Kingdom, and the All Star Resorts are, well, the cheapest. We're taking you on a little jaunt through each of these resorts this week.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
January 19, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBDisney's Coronado Resort has been called the best value out of all the resorts on Walt Disney World property. So what makes this gargantuan resort so special? That's what we're talking about this week! Music by Colin Paul
Disney World Hotels: Port Orleans Resort
January 05, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBWith the new year, we kick off a new series! Brandon begins our journey through the Disney World hotels with a detailed look at a popular moderate resort - the Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter and Riverside. Music by Colin Paul
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
December 22, 2020 07:00 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBIn 2019, Disney opened the gates to their newly created Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands. For the first time, fans got to actually ride the legendary Millennium Falcon in a brand new, super high tech attraction. In this week's episode, we're pulling back the curtains to see how Disney brought such a well known space craft to life. Music by Colin Paul
Hollywood Studios' Backlot Tour
December 08, 2020 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBAn opening day attraction, The Backlot Tour delighted (or bored) guests at Hollywood Studios until it closed to make way for Galaxy's Edge. While it was originally intended to be an insider's look at the film industry, it never quite managed to live up to Disney's expectations. We're taking a deep look at this once classic attraction this week! Music by Colin Paul
DinoLand USA
November 24, 2020 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBDinoLand USA is a carnival within a theme park - Disney's Animal Kingdom. This week, we're discussing its place in the Disney Parks, its origins, and what could be done about this bizarre area. Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to be safe and socially distant! Music by Colin Paul
Distant Disney Goes Biweekly
November 17, 2020 07:00 - 1 minute - 1.81 MBHello Distant Disney listeners! Yep, you read that right. From here on out, we're going biweekly. We love making this show, and to ensure that each episode meets our standards, we're going to be skipping a week between episodes starting right now. Thank you so much for listening, and we'll talk to you next week!
The Hall of Presidents
November 10, 2020 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBJust when you thought we could stop talking about the election, Distant Disney is here to bring you all you could want to know about The Hall of Presidents! This opening day attraction in Magic Kingdom generated quite a bit of controversy when #45 entered the oval office. But why is there an attraction featuring all of America's presidents in the middle of Disney's flagship theme park? We're here to tell you! Music by Colin Paul
RE-RELEASE - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
November 03, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 64 MBOn this historic election day, we're not releasing a new episode. Instead, we hope you enjoy one of our older episodes! Released originally on May 19th, 2019, this episode was a very close look at Disney's Hollywood Studio's Tower of Terror attraction. We hope you enjoy this blast from Distant Disney's past while you vote (if you haven't already!) Music by Colin Paul
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
October 27, 2020 06:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBOne of the last attractions at Disney World that Walt personally oversaw, the Carousel of Progress is a historic show that looks at... well, history! From it's spectacular opening at the NYC World's Fair to its declining popularity at its current location in Magic Kingdom, we're talking all about this classic attraction this week. Music by Colin Paul
Universal's Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster
October 20, 2020 06:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBWe're taking another step away from Disney World this week, back over to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Two of their biggest, baddest coasters are Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. We're each breaking down a coaster this week on Distant Disney! Music by Colin Paul
Disney World's Massive Transportation System
October 13, 2020 06:00 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBMoving hundreds of thousands of guests around Disney World every day is not small feat. Disney boats a transportation system that rivals some of the country's most populous cities. This week, we're talking about all of the boats, trains, monorails, busses, and even planes that make up Disney World's Transportation Department. Music by Colin Paul
Disney Announces Massive Layoffs
October 06, 2020 06:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBThis week we're putting our usual programming on hold to discuss the news that broke earlier this week - Disney is laying off 28,000 cast members throughout their American theme parks and related enterprises. Music by Colin Paul
A Hungry Episode - Some of Our Favorite Restaurants
September 29, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBWe're revisiting a classic episode theme this week - our favorite restaurants! Disney World has had some major culinary upgrades in the past decade (particularly in the quick service restaurants), and we couldn't help but discuss some of our top ranked eateries throughout the resort! Music by Colin Paul
The Disney College Program - The Little Things You Need to Know
September 22, 2020 06:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBWe've spoken about our experiences in doing The Disney College Program before, but this time we're talking about some of the little things you might not think about before heading down to Florida. Things like, what should you bring? What are laundry services and transportation like on the program? We're covering these and so much more of the little necessaries you need to know! Music by Colin Paul
Universal's The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
September 15, 2020 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThis week we step away from the Disney Parks and over to their arch-rival Universal Studios! First, we explain why Universal Orlando still has Marvel characters and rides despite Disney owning the super hero studio. Then we break down the history and development of Islands of Adventure's opening day attraction that won Best Dark Ride for twelve years in a row! Music by Colin Paul
Mickey's PhilharMagic
September 08, 2020 06:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBIn Magic Kingdom's iconic 4-D show, Donald steals Mickey's Sorcerer's hat and goes on an epic adventure through classic movies in an attempt to retrieve the mischievous hat. This week we'll discuss this attraction's history, development and surprising longevity! Music by Colin Paul
Episode 100 - And Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBThis week we're celebrating our 100th full episode! To celebrate nearly two years of Distant Disney, we're talking all about what Disney has planned for their big year next year - Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary! As promised - two rhinos fighting at Kilimanjaro Safaris Music by Colin Paul
Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams
August 25, 2020 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBFor our final episode numbered in the double digits, we're examining the fireworks show that delighted guests while we worked in the parks - Wishes! Music by Colin Paul
Soarin'
August 18, 2020 06:00 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBOne of the most popular attractions in Epcot, Soarin' began as a celebration of California for the brand new Disney's California Adventure. This week, we're taking a look at this iconic attraction's history and development. Help Iowa: https://www.facebook.com/groups/974094406389442 https://www.uweci.org/ Venmo: @iowaderecho Paypal: [email protected] Music by Colin Paul Opening music: Soarin' - by Jerry Goldsmith
Tarzan Rocks! (And Other Characters We Still Wish Were In The Parks)
August 11, 2020 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBRemember Tarzan Rocks? We sure do. So we talked about it for a while. Plus, we talked about some other characters that don't really have much of a presence in the parks anymore! Music by Colin Paul
What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
August 04, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB*Unfortunately, Brandon experienced some technical issues this week, it's not a glitch on your phone!* Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth. But what happens when it isn't? This week, we're sharing personal stories, as well as examining some publicly available protocols that Disney follows when things go very, very wrong at their parks. Music by Colin Paul
What Happens When Things Go Very Wrong?
August 04, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB*Unfortunately, Brandon experienced some technical issues this week, it's not a glitch on your phone!* Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth. But what happens when it isn't? This week, we're sharing personal stories, as well as examining some publicly available protocols that Disney follows when things go very, very wrong at their parks. Music by Colin Paul
Stitch's Great Escape and Primeval Whirl (and ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter)
July 28, 2020 06:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBBig news this week as Universal Orlando announces the cancellation of this year's Halloween Horror nights. Plus, two weeks ago Disney announced the permanent closure of Primeval Whirl and Stitch's Great Escape. Widely regarded as the most reviled attractions on property, how did we end up with these two bizarre attractions in the first place? Music by Colin Paul
Primeval Whirl, Stitch's Great Escape, and Rivers of Light Permanently Closed!
July 21, 2020 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this week's news only episode, we continue to share our thoughts on the phased reopening of Disney World. Plus, Disney announces three attractions are permanently closed! Music by Colin Paul
SpectroMagic and Disney's Electrical Parade
July 14, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBFor better or for worse, Disney World reopened to the public this week. What does that mean for guests and cast members? Plus! Let's talk about some nighttime parades! SpectroMagic and Disney's Electrical Parade delighted guests for decades. But now, no nighttime parades run in Disney World at all! Music by Colin Paul
Splash Mountain
July 07, 2020 06:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBRecently, Disney announced that Splash Mountain as we know it will be going away, to be rethemed as a Princess and the Frog attraction. So this week, we're examining how we wound up with the Splash Mountain we've known for so long. Music by Colin Paul
The Custodial Role - featuring Colin Paul
June 30, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBEpisode 93 - The Custodial Role is now live! But first, we talk all about Disney's announcement to completely redo Splash Mountain. Plus, Disney parks reopening news. All that and more on this week's episode! Download anywhere you find podcasts! Music by Colin Paul
Disney Springs Part 2 - With Special Guest Kaela Celeste
June 23, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBIn this episode, Kaela Celeste joins us for our second part of our Downtown Disney/Disney Springs extravaganza. Brandon gets excited about parking garages. And Danny tries - and fails - to successfully join a foodie conversation. Visit Kaela Celeste on Youtube here! Music by Colin Paul
Disney Springs Part Two - With Special Guest Kaela Celeste
June 23, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBIn this episode, Kaela Celeste joins us for our second part of our Downtown Disney/Disney Springs extravaganza. Brandon gets excited about parking garages. And Danny tries - and fails - to successfully join a foodie conversation. Visit Kaela Celeste on Youtube here! Music by Colin Paul
Downtown Disney Part One
June 16, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBBefore Disney Springs, there was Downtown Disney. This week on Distant Disney, we're profiling one of the wildest ventures Disney has embarked upon (no, we don't mean the sort of wildest ride in the wilderness you might find in Frontierland). We'll be talking about the village's original purpose, its transformation to a legendary club district, and eventual loss of popularity. Here's the link for the video of The Adventure Club's Colonel Sunchbench we're laughing about. Music by Colin...
Black Lives Matter
June 09, 2020 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBDistant Disney is a podcast designed to help bring the escapism of Disney theme parks to you, no matter where you are. This is not the time for escapism. We do not believe that it would be responsible to release a full episode detailing some nook or cranny of Disney World while thousands are wrongfully beaten and arrested in the streets. Below, please see several links we've gathered to notable charities supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Please listen to black and brown podcaste...