Park People
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsThere is storytelling, detail, and meaning behind your favorite theme parks. Let's explore them together.
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Episodes
Final Episode: The Future of Theme Parks
November 02, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIt's the very last episode of Park People! We look to the future, which includes: Epic Universe, the new Universal Orlando park opening in 2025 Super Nintendo World in Florida and California Avengers Campus expansion at Disney California Adventure The slump to the finish line of EPCOT's transformation Dinoland's replacement at Animal Kingdom What's "beyond Big Thunder" at Magic Kingdom SeaWorld's surf coaster Carowinds' 50th anniversary and more! What started as a quarantine projec...
Carowinds (feat. Jerry Helms, Former VP)
September 01, 2022 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBIt's time to take a trip to the place where the Carolinas come together: Carowinds! We chat with the legendary Jerry Helms, former VP of Operations at Carowinds, who was first hired in 1973, the year the park opened. Jerry shares decades of stories and insight, including: who named the park the origins of the Top Gun coaster Carowinds creator E. Pat Hall's infamous visit to Disneyland in the '50s his go-to philosophy, "You can only ride something for the first time once." leadership pr...
027: Haunted Mansion at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom
August 09, 2022 01:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBLook alive, because it’s time for what many consider the greatest theme park attraction of all time, Haunted Mansion! In this episode, we discuss: the creative tension of “silly vs. scary” the flawless Nightmare Before Christmas overlay international versions of the ride the iconicity of the Eddie Murphy movie the perennial debate: When does spooky season start? and more! Follow @ParkPeoplePod on TikTok and Instagram Resources YouTube: The Gruesome Scare Maze of Hong Kong Disneyla...
026: Spaceship Earth at EPCOT (feat. We're Obsessed)
July 05, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBWe're excited to welcome our special guests, Halle Watson and Lindsay Underwood from "We're Obsessed" Podcast! This episode is “grand and miraculous,” just like our topic, Spaceship Earth. In this episode, we discuss: The appeal of this opening-day attraction Judi Dench boldly going where no Dame has gone before Walt Disney’s vision for EPCOT When Spaceship Earth became the Death Star... really The Prince of Egypt, for some reason and more! We're Obsessed Listen to We're Obsessed Po...
025: Best & Worst Decisions We've Made In Parks
May 23, 2022 23:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBWe've all been there. Those moments in a theme park when you made the right call and it led to something amazing! And also, those moments you regret, when should've taken an L. In this episode, we each count down our top 3 best and top 3 worst decisions we've ever made in theme parks. Links to things mentioned in this episode: YouTube video: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney's Hollywood Studios Apply for the Disney College Program Visit Tweetsie Railroad Expedition Theme Park...
024: Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration
April 21, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBThe magic is calling! We “answer the call” to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, the World’s Most Magical Celebration. We break down everything new as part of the 18-month festivities, which continues through March 2023, as well as what it was like to be at Magic Kingdom for the park’s actual 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021. There’s a lot to do for the 50th: Beacons of Magic at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks New entertainment and favorites returning for the first time since b...
023: Shamu and Shrek Together Again (Shrek 4D)
March 31, 2022 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBNot the gumdrop buttons! Travel with us to Far, Far Away as we celebrate the legacy of Shrek 4D at Universal Studios parks. It may be all ogre now, but there's a lot to remember about this show that ran for nearly 20 years. Our friend Blake Reed joins us as we discuss: Which Shrek film is superior What preceded Shrek 4D in Florida Shrek 4D's place in history with Mickey's PhilharMagic The alternate versions of this attraction globally The rumored replacement of Shrek 4D in Florida and...
023: Shamu and Shrek Together Again: Shrek 4D (feat. Blake Reed)
March 31, 2022 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBNot the gumdrop buttons! Travel with us to Far, Far Away as we celebrate the legacy of Shrek 4D at Universal Studios parks. It may be all ogre now, but there's a lot to remember about this show that ran for nearly 20 years. Our friend Blake Reed joins us as we discuss: Which Shrek film is superior What preceded Shrek 4D in Florida Shrek 4D's place in history with Mickey's PhilharMagic The alternate versions of this attraction globally The rumored replacement of Shrek 4D in Florida and...
Race Through New York and Attending the Real Tonight Show in NYC
January 07, 2022 20:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBHey hey hey HEY! It's time for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida, plus Jeremy's experience attending the live recording of the real Tonight Show in New York City! In this episode, we discuss: How to get tickets to The Tonight Show and your other favorite live productions The legacy of 30 Rockefeller Center How Jimmy Fallon pitched his own ride to Universal Race Through New York’s predecessors, Ghostbusters and Twister Would Universal make an SNL a...
022: Race Through New York and Attending the Real Tonight Show in NYC (feat. Blake Reed)
January 07, 2022 20:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBHey hey hey HEY! It's time for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida, plus Jeremy's experience attending the live recording of the real Tonight Show in New York City! In this episode, we discuss: How to get tickets to The Tonight Show and your other favorite live productions The legacy of 30 Rockefeller Center How Jimmy Fallon pitched his own ride to Universal Race Through New York’s predecessors, Ghostbusters and Twister Would Universal make an SNL a...
022: Race Through New York and Attending the Real Tonight Show in NYC
January 07, 2022 20:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBHey hey hey HEY! It's time for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida, plus Jeremy's experience attending the live recording of the real Tonight Show in New York City! In this episode, we discuss: How to get tickets to The Tonight Show and your other favorite live productions The legacy of 30 Rockefeller Center How Jimmy Fallon pitched his own ride to Universal Race Through New York’s predecessors, Ghostbusters and Twister Would Universal make an SNL a...
021: Halloween Horror Nights 30 at Universal Studios Florida
November 23, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MB30 years, 30 fears. Get your pizza fries, grab a selfie with Lil Boo, and inhale that fog because it's time to take a deep dive into Halloween Horror Nights 30, Universal Orlando's signature event that returned in 2021 after a hiatus in 2020. Join us as we talk through: All 10 haunted houses, including fan favorite Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin The event's 2 shows Scare zones Food! How to navigate HHN as a first-timer How HHN30 stacks up to previous years What we'd love to see ...
020: Disney World In The '70s (feat. our moms)
September 21, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBWhat was Walt Disney World like when it first opened? How about even BEFORE it opened? Today on Park People, we celebrate the decade Walt Disney World opened, the 1970s, just in time for the resort's quickly approaching 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021. We're joined by some special guests –– our moms! –– who share their memories. Caleb's mom got to tour Walt Disney World in a hard hat while it was still under construction. Blake's mom lived in Central Florida shortly after Walt Disney Wo...
020: Disney World In The '70s
September 21, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBWhat was Walt Disney World like when it first opened? How about even BEFORE it opened? Today on Park People, we celebrate the decade Walt Disney World opened, the 1970s, just in time for the resort's quickly approaching 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021. We're joined by some special guests –– our moms! –– who share their memories. Caleb's mom got to tour Walt Disney World in a hard hat while it was still under construction. Blake's mom lived in Central Florida shortly after Walt Disney Wo...
019: Disneyland's 50th Anniversary in 2005
August 29, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBHere in 2021, we’re getting ready to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th birthday with The World’s Most Magical Celebration. But back in 2005, Disney park guests around the world were busy celebrating Disneyland’s 50th birthday with The Happiest Celebration On Earth. (There’s a pattern here, huh?) On today’s episode of Park People, we dissect the many ways that Disney truly pulled out all the stops for The Happiest Celebration On Earth, including: A coast-to-coast marketing campaign hosted ...
018: Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
July 24, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBKachow! ⚡️ Cruise through Route 66 and stop a while in Radiator Springs as we celebrate the expansion that turned everything around for Disney California Adventure, Cars Land! We discuss: Radiator Springs Racers, possibly Imagineering's best modern attraction? Our lowkey stanning of Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters Cozy Cones aka heaven How extra Cars Land goes for Halloween Other "Cars" attractions around the world Follow @ParkPeoplePod on Instagram! Resources mentioned in this episode:...
017: Magical Gatherings, Disney's Forgotten 2003 Campaign
May 23, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBWishes, Mickey's PhilharMagic, and Mission: SPACE were once all connected in Walt Disney World's 2003 promotional campaign, Magical Gatherings. In this episode, we discuss: What is a magical gathering and why did Disney go all in on it? Julie Andrews's involvement in the premiere of Wishes The rarity of Disney admitted Mission: SPACE's faults The iconic proscenium arch in PhilharMagic Horizons, the predecessor to Mission: SPACE How Wishes was part of a College Program tradition The v...
016: Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure
May 09, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MB“And look: she’s a mum!” Hop aboard Hagrid's enchanted flying motorbike and buckle up for a magical creatures lesson you won't soon forget! We discuss: The ride’s notorious predecessors, Dueling Dragons and Dragon Challenge The way Mr. Weasley gave his all to the pre-show performance as if he was up for a BAFTA The groundbreaking tech of this amazing roller coaster What this ride would be like with a Taylor Swift overlay The future of the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando Intro mus...
015: Adventureland at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom
April 27, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBAdventure is out there! Join us as we explore Adventureland on both American coasts, at Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida. 🌴 We talk about: * What “adventure” means and how the Imagineers interpreted it * The unnecessarily confusing Dole Whip menu * Indiana Jones vs. Dinosaur * Adventureland’s role in Disney’s efforts toward inclusivity and more Music: "The Celebrated Minuet," Rafael Krux, public domain
014: 24 Hours in Magic Kingdom at Monstrous All-Nighter 2013 (feat. Taylor Williams)
March 03, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBStaying up for 24 hours in Disney World at the 2013 event that kicked off Monstrous Summer! Hear about: braving Stitch's Great Escape at 2AM how Disney celebrated 2013's hottest summer movie, Monsters University a Cast Member attempting to appease an angry mob by quoting Dory the moment when the park closed with a bizarre ceremony that still haunts our nightmares Follow @ParkPeoplePod on Instagram. Music: "The Celebrated Minuet," Rafael Krux, public domain
014: 24 Hours in Magic Kingdom at Monstrous All-Nighter 2013
March 03, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBStaying up for 24 hours in Disney World at the 2013 event that kicked off Monstrous Summer! Hear about: braving Stitch's Great Escape at 2AM how Disney celebrated 2013's hottest summer movie, Monsters University a Cast Member attempting to appease an angry mob by quoting Dory the moment when the park closed with a bizarre ceremony that still haunts our nightmares Follow @ParkPeoplePod on Instagram.
013: Nickelodeon In Theme Parks
February 14, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBGrab a Krabby Patty and watch out for slime as we head to Universal, Paramount Parks, and more to celebrate Nick. Join us as we talk about: an iconic Danny Phantom thrill ride, an amazing Rocket Power skateboard ride (!), an underwhelming Reptar roller coaster, a forgotten SpongeBob attraction that put Orlando to shame, a time capsule full of Twinkies that will be opened in 2042, which of your favorite shows were filmed in the parks, Nickelodeon's sick burn against Disney on iCarly, and mor...
012: EPCOT Millennium Celebration
January 24, 2021 22:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBCelebrate the future hand in hand as we wind back the clock to the year 2000 to welcome the new millennium at EPCOT! Hear about: The time EPCOT was the Super Bowl halftime show The origins of one of the only parades in EPCOT history, Tapestry of Nations The legendary fireworks spectacular IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Pin trading's humble beginnings How the ideals of the park can be applied in 2021 The daring future of the park Follow on Instagram @parkpeoplepod Music: "The Cel...
011: Cars 2 vs. The Good Dinosaur... & Other Rando Convos of 2020
December 27, 2020 23:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBDeleted discussions and sidetracked conversations that didn't make it into prior episodes. You’ll hear new content from all of our past special guests, including author Aaron Wallace, Jeremy Crittenden and Derek Lewis, hosts of the Mad Chatters podcast, and David Windsor, aka David Takes Disney on Instagram. We talk about: Thackery Binx just not caring anymore Alternate versions of Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire Cars 2 vs. The Good Dinosaur The iconicity of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train ...
010: Top 10 of the 2010s (or, 10 Bonanzas of the Two Thousand Tanzas)
December 06, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBLast decade was revolutionary for the theme park industry — parks designed attractions to one-up their competition, leaving guests in the middle of it all to enjoy. We discuss the most influential game-changers of the industry, including: • the boy who lived — and who changed everything • Disney admitting its own mistakes and rebuilding entire sections of theme parks • franchise wars and the battle for characters and stories people would care about • Universal multiplying its Potter suc...
009: 25 Years of Toy Story in Walt Disney World (feat. Mad Chatters)
November 21, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThe 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 m...
009: 25 Years of Toy Story in Walt Disney World
November 21, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThe 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 m...
008: Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (feat. @david_takes_disney)
November 09, 2020 00:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBTexting 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
008: Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
November 09, 2020 00:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBTexting 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.
007: Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (feat. Aaron Wallace)
October 25, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBSpecial 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 ...
007: Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
October 25, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBSpecial 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 ...
006: E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida
October 18, 2020 22:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB"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 t...
005: Favorite Extinct Theme Park Attractions
October 11, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBAs 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 ...
Thank You, Cast Members
October 03, 2020 18:00 - 8 minutes - 6.14 MBToday 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.
004: Dinosaurs In Theme Parks (Jurassic Park, Dinoland, & More)
September 20, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MB"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...
Trailer: Park People
August 30, 2020 01:00 - 1 minute - 1.36 MBThere 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.
Audio Essay: Rivers of Light, A Saga
August 29, 2020 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBRivers 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 conversat...
003: Favorite Theme Park Entrances
August 29, 2020 23:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBA theme park's entrance is the first impression and how you begin your day of fun. It has the opportunity to set up the entire park's narrative, and many parks utilize storytelling in innovative ways to accomplish this. In this episode: Counting down our top 3 favorite theme park entrances each Storytelling secrets that go unnoticed Comparing entrances of similar parks in different places Theme music: "Wakka Wakka," Bryan Teoh, public domain. Follow on Instagram and Twitter @ParkPeople...
002: Disney On The Cheap
August 29, 2020 23:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBA 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 th...
001: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida
August 29, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBUniversal Orlando Resort changed the theme park industry forever when it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010. Four years later, it raised the bar again with an expansion that included the iconic Diagon Alley, home of the dark ride/rollercoaster hybrid Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. In this episode: Scene-by-scene breakdown Voldemort and Bellatrix, theme park icons Comparing the ride's story to the movie and the book How Harry Potter became the industry standa...