Those Happy Places

Eyes of Mara Episode 4: It Belongs in a Museum -or- There is Nothing You Can Possess That I Cannot Take Away

It’s time for one last dive into the Temple of Mara to answer some big questions about Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. What does this ride really mean? Where does its core appeal lie? How does it harness both storytelling and atmosphere to earn its status as a classic attraction? What, if anything, can replace it—and will there ever be a need to? Join Buddy and Alice as they conclude the adventure in Eyes of Mara, a new Miniseries from Those Happy Places! This is the last of four week...

Eyes of Mara Episode 3: The Ride Today -or- Eternal Youth and Beauty

Over 27 years since its opening day in 1995, Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure remains one of its most popular attractions. That said, it’s also one of the most infamously broken attractions at the resort. How exactly can we categorize the way this now-classic dark ride has aged? Has it had its fill from the Fountain of Youth, or has its influence withered like that of Mara himself? What does the ride need today to truly keep pace with the most advanced attractions in the parks? Join Bud...

Eyes of Mara Episode 2: The Ride as Opened -or- Glittering Gold, it is Yours

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened at Disneyland in 1995 as one of the most advanced Theme Park Attractions of its era. Nearly 30 years later, it remains one of the most popular attractions at the Disneyland resort—despite, in the opinion of some fans, having long since outlived its “glory days.” Was its brilliance as fleeting as the Treasure of Mara itself? What about the queue and ride itself makes this attraction’s opening so legendary? How did it tell its story—and ...

Eyes of Mara Episode 1: History and Development -or- You Seek The Future

In March of 1995, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Since then, the attraction has gone from revolutionary in its use of technology and effects to a legacy attraction—the successes of which have been used and re-used in a whole new generation of theme park rides and attractions. In this episode, we dive into the history of the ride’s development—how Lucasfilm and Disney began their in-park collaborations, early concepts for the att...

Theme Parks 100: What is Literature? Or: Page, Stage, Screen, and Place

Welcome back to class for our fifth and final lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they discuss their relationship with literature as scholars, educators, creators, and fans of theme parks. What are the connections between the worlds of Literature and our favorite theme parks? How and why do we treat Theme Parks like literature? What is the canon of Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions—and how do we take a medium that uses so much land, labor, and technology to create within and democratize it th...

Theme Parks 100: What is a Land? Or: A Miserable Little Pile of Secrets

Welcome back to class for our fourth lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they try to define one of the most idiosyncratic terms in Themed Entertainment. What is a Land in the context of a theme park? What separates an attraction or a ride from a Land? How many attractions does it take to make a Land? What makes lands important—both as storytelling tools and as experiences in and of themselves? It’s another episode of Theme Parks 100, a Summer School Series from Those Happy Places! This is the ...

Theme Parks 100: What is a Ride? Or: Remain Seated Please

Welcome back to class for our third lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they dissect the definition of the word “Ride.” What, exactly, does the word mean? How does it relate to Theme Parks and Attractions—both as a noun, and as a verb? What are the limits of the category—and the action—when we’re talking about theme parks? It’s another episode of Theme Parks 100, a Summer School Series from Those Happy Places! This is the third of five weekly episodes. We hope you enjoy! Podvoices Help Be su...

Theme Parks 100: What is an Attraction? Or: Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!

Welcome back to class for our second lecture! Join Alice and Buddy as they dissect the term “Attraction” as it relates to Theme Parks. What is an Attraction, really? When do Attractions become Theme Parks? What drives us to analyze them as we would literature? This one gets philosophical—so be sure to take notes! It’s another episode of Theme Parks 100, a Summer School Series from Those Happy Places! This is the second of five weekly episodes. We hope you enjoy! Podvoices Help Be sure to ...

Theme Parks 100: What Is A Theme Park? Or: More Than Amusements

Class is now in session! Join Alice and Buddy as they get back to the very basics of dissecting Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions like Literature by first defining the term Theme Park. What is a Park? What makes a space themed? What is the difference between Theme Parks and Amusement Parks, if any? Why do Buddy and Alice find themselves drawn to Theme Parks and Themed Entertainment as media worth analyzing? Welcome to Theme Parks 100, a Summer School Series from Those Happy Places! This i...

Episode 56: What's The Deal With SeaWorld?

In this thoroughly researched episode, join Alice and Buddy as they embark on a quest to better understand SeaWorld’s history, its controversies, its appeal, and its seemingly ongoing success. What makes this combination theme park and animal exhibit franchise continue to thrive? Find out on this episode! Heads up, this episode discusses animal rights, the conditions of animals in captivity at SeaWorld, and some of the more well-known tragedies at their parks. If that’s a tough subject for ...

Episode 55: Beyond the Shooting Gallery: Interactivity in Rides

In this competitive episode, join Alice and Buddy as they jump into the world of interactive rides for the first time in a few years—a world that has grown significantly since the last time they’ve considered it. How have rides gone Beyond the Shooting Gallery already? How can they continue to grow? What untapped potential is still out there? Where should we look for inspiration? And, perhaps most importantly, how do they see interactivity continuing to be a part of the rides of the future? ...

Episode 54: Disneyland's "Land Blender" Rides

In this theoretical episode, join Alice and Buddy as they analyze an underappreciated part of how Disneyland, specifically, blends its iconic lands together. How do these lands, ostensibly separated by genre, find themselves connected thematically, aesthetically, and narratively? Do any lands stand out as especially effective at this blending—and do some not quite fit the mold? It’s another weekly episode of Those Happy Places! We hope you’re glad to have us back in your feeds. Topics Inc...

Episode 53: In Praise of the Omnimover

In this un-lost episode, join Alice and Buddy as they praise—and criticize—one of the most iconic ride systems in all of theme parks. What makes the Omnimover so unique? How is it best deployed in attractions like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion? What are its strengths and shortcomings? And, most importantly, is it really the highest-capacity ride system at Disney parks? It’s another weekly episode of Those Happy Places! We hope you’re glad to have us back in your feeds. Topics Include: Techn...

Episode 52: Shows, Parades, and Nighttime Spectaculars

In this energetic episode, join Alice and Buddy as they tackle the roles that shows, parades, and nighttime spectaculars play at Theme Parks. What purpose to they serve—from both operational and narrative perspectives? How do they add character to a place? How do they help us tell the story of our visits to the park? And, maybe most interestingly, how do they help us mark time? It’s another great episode of Those Happy Places! We hope you’re glad to have us back in your feeds. Topics Inclu...

Episode 51: Plans, Reservations, and Lighting Lanes

In this long-awaited episode, join Alice and Buddy as they work their way through their complicated feelings about returning to Theme Parks, only to find that the systems by which they now work are thoroughly changed from what they were before their hiatus. If Theme Parks are literature, are Reservations the Table of Contents? What is skipping the line worth? How do we answer the question of equity in access to rides and attractions? It’s the triumphant return of Those Happy Places! We hope...

Episode 50: Theme Parks as Literature -or- Thesis, Revisited

In this extravagant episode, join Alice and Buddy as they revisit the central thesis of Those Happy Places—the very idea that Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions can (and should) be treated with the same critical care and depth as other forms of storytelling and literature. They’re joined with submissions by Cynthia Sharpe, Rob Yeo, Liam Findlay, Aslam Choudhury, and Andrew Spohn, all of whom weigh in on the central questions of what draws them to themed entertainment as a storytelling mediu...

Episode 49: Guests Aly Grauer and Drew Mierzejewski

In this luminous episode, join Alice and Buddy as they welcome two special guests. Aly Grauer and Drew Mierzejewski are Podcasters, Performers, Writers, and Builders of Worlds—they’ve also both worked in iconic shows and attractions at some of Orlando’s most famous theme parks. Listen in as they talk about their experiences as Human Interfaces for these attractions, and how their core philosophy of Including and Elevating guests extends into their current work in the Actual Play RPG Podcasti...

Episode 48: The Brilliance of Calico Ghost Town

In this lively episode, join Alice and Buddy as they dive deep into the wonders of Knott’s Berry Farm and the understated brilliance of its Calico Ghost Town. This is the attraction that made Knott’s what it is today—and it stands today as one of the most comprehensive, complete, and thoroughly realized themed lands in Southern California, if not the world. How did it get here, what is it like to visit presently, and where can it go to become more than is today? Talking Points include: A B...

Episode 47: The Alice White Canon Classification System

In this categorically profound episode, Alice and Buddy sit down to talk about a system Alice has devised to categorize and better understand how Intellectual Properties are deployed through Theme Parks, Rides, Attractions, and Themed Lands. How do some of our favorite IP-based places fit into the categories of Classic, Abstract, Extra-Canon, and Anti-Canon? Listen in and find out! Talking Points include: Fantasyland’s Dark Rides, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, the Incredicoaster, Guard...

Episode 46: The Haunted Mansion, American Haunting, and Hospitality

In this palatial episode, join Alice and Buddy as they revisit The Haunted Mansion yet again! What makes this attraction so unique in terms of its tone? How does it fit into the greater culture of American haunted houses? What is the unique role of its cast members in creating a welcoming atmosphere? How has The Haunted Mansion become so iconic of itself? Talking Points include: The Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor, The Phantom Manor, the Winchester Mystery House, the Importance of Cast Member...

Episode 45: Immersive Theater and Theme Parks

In this contemplative episode, join Buddy and Alice as they attempt to draw the line between the wildly popular trend of Immersive Theater and Theme Parks, Rides, and Attractions. Can we really say that Theme Parks are a form of immersive theater? What qualities do the two entertainment forms share? What, if anything, separates them? Special thanks to listener Joe W. for the email that inspired this episode! Talking Points include: Sleep No More, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 181...

Episode 44: Authorship and Theme Parks

In this collaborative episode, join Buddy and Alice as they attempt to answer the question of just who we can consider the “Author” of our favorite theme parks, rides, and attractions. What can we learn from the history of Film, Television, and Video Games? Where does the identity of each major Theme Park company come from? Can any individual truly be said to be the direct architect of a themed attraction? Content Warning: This Episode contains a discussion about the transphobic remarks mad...

Episode 43: Anaheim's Themed Sports

In this sporting episode, join Alice and Buddy as they reminisce about the Walt Disney Company’s first forays in the realm of professional sports as they attempt to unravel the source of a team’s identity and legacy. Can a trilogy of films, an animated series, and an upcoming sequel series on Disney+ make an NHL expansion team an instant success? How can we tie our local identity to a sports franchise—even brand-new ones? Just how similar are sports teams and theme parks, really? All this a...

Episode 42: The Intersection of Sports and Theme Parks

In this Mighty episode, join Alice and Buddy as they discuss the similarities between Sporting Events and Theme Parks. Just how closely related are these two seemingly disparate forms of entertainment? What is the significance of the Dodger Dog? Have you ever heard the tragedy of the Long Beach Ice Dogs? Why is Gritty? All this and more on this episode of Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long-lost epi...

Birds of Paradise Episode 4: The Origins of Tiki Culture -or- The Summer of Tiki

Donate to Black Lives Matter Donate to The Trevor Project Join Buddy and Alice as they cover the rise of Tiki Culture in the United States—from its origins in post-prohibition Tiki Bars, to its relationship with soldiers returning from World War II, to the invention and somewhat artificial spread of the Aloha Shirt. How do we collectively imagine Tiki Culture—and how much of Tiki Culture is even distinctly Hawaiian? All this and more on this fourth episode of Birds of Paradise: A New Mini...

Birds of Paradise Episode 3: A Brief History of the Hawaiian Islands -or- Annexation Without Representation

Join Alice and Buddy as they attempt a somewhat comprehensive look at the history of the Hawaiian islands as they relate to the United States—from re-discovery in the late 1700’s to the eventual Annexation and Statehood of Hawaii in 1959. They also talk about the rise of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company—known today as the Dole Pineapple Company. After all that, they get back to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room to ask the question—knowing the history, how does the attraction avoid confronting...

Birds of Paradise Episode 2: A Second Reading of The Enchanted Tiki Room

Join Alice and Buddy as they talk a bit more about what makes Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room such a unique attraction. How does it engage every sense—even taste? How does it present its sponsorship by Dole? How do the Pre-Show and Show relate to one another? Why, pray tell, are the hosts Birds? All this and more on this second episode of Birds of Paradise: A New Miniseries from Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and a...

Birds of Paradise Episode 1: The Enchanted Tiki Room as Primary Text

Welcome to our tropical hideaway! Join Alice and Buddy as they embark on a journey to discover the history, cultural impact, and storytelling implications of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. The classic, beloved attraction opened in 1963, and has delighted guests since then with its catchy melodies and vibrant cast of Audio-Animatronic performers. What makes the show so magical? Perhaps more importantly, what can it tell us about its era, its aesthetics, and its intended meaning? All this...

Episode 41: The Duquesne Taxonomy of Theme Park Guests

Join Alice and Buddy as they explore a new way of thinking about guests at a theme park—dubbed lovingly (and somewhat jokingly) the Duquesne Taxonomy of Theme Park Guests. This idea comes to us from Richard Bartle, a game designer and researcher, who coined his popular Bartle Taxonomy of Players in 1996. How do parks differ from games through this lens? How can categorizing guests aid in design choices? Also featuring the second appearance of Duquesne’s Mad Labyrinth! All this and more on ...

Episode 40: Ride Update Extravaganza!

Buddy and Alice have been doing this show for two years! In that time, they’ve produced 40 full episodes, dozens of smaller works, and countless tweets. Join them as they explore the idea of rides that could use a few updates, refurbishments, or rebuilds! Featuring submissions from Charles Gustine, Nick Hoffman, Aslam Choudhury, AJ, Liz Lee, and Jim Capron! Plus, entries from Buddy and Alice! All this and more on this celebratory episode of Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon ...

Episode 39: The Simpsons Ride

Since 2008, The Simpsons Ride and its surrounding themed area has delighted guests in both Hollywood and Orlando. That said, one question remains: would we consider it a good episode of The Simpsons? Join the nation’s foremost Simpsons Scholar, Buddy Duquesne, and recently-minted fan of the show Alice White as they dig deep to find an answer. Featuring: A trip to two separate offices! A pretty good Professor Frink impression! The sinking realization that The Simpsons has been on television ...

Episode 38: Themed Dining and Shopping

Everyone’s gotta shop. Everyone’s gotta eat. That said, we’d love to enjoy doing these things while we did them, right? Join Alice and Buddy as they take close looks at themed dining and shopping experiences to answer the question—what makes a place worthy of a theme? Why do we theme otherwise mundane spaces? What, pray tell, is Applebees Plus, and how can we sell that idea for money? All this and more on this unique episode of Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of th...

Special Update: Introducing Those Happy Podcasts

Alice is here with a special update about all our shows and some fun Patreon information! Stick around to the end for a preview of our next episode and some information about how you can be part of it. Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long-lost episode of Those Happy Places! Join us on our Discord Server! And fill out our survey! Those Happy Places is Produced by Alice White and Edited By Buddy Duquesne. Our theme song i...

Episode 37: Seattle, Themed City

Join Buddy Duquesne and special guest host Kate Prince as they recap their recent trip to Seattle, a city with a surprisingly unified sense of theme. How does it compare to other tourist destinations? All this and more on this unique episode of Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long-lost episode of Those Happy Places! Join us on our Discord Server! Those Happy Places is Produced by Alice White and Edi...

Episode 36: Autopia and Retro-Futurism

In this dynamic episode, Buddy and Alice take a deeper look at Autopia, a beloved Opening-Day Disneyland Attraction. What is its role in Tomorrowland? What are its unique appeals? What does its nature as a corporate-sponsored attraction say about our present, and our imagined future? What would an overhaul of this attraction look like? All this and more in this fantastic episode of Those Happy Places! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and ...

Episode 35: Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular!

In this Live, Spectacular Episode, Alice and Buddy return from an unplanned hiatus to discuss one of the most enduring, entertaining, surprising shows in all of Themed Entertainment. What makes this now-25-year-old show so relevant today? What are its secrets, both narrative and thematic? Is the plane stunt on a wire, or on a track or something? All this and more in this fantastic episode of Those Happy Places! Editor’s Note: Due to scheduling conflicts, work projects, and life’s sometimes...

Episode 34: Interview with Tami Brown and Emily Howard!

October is Sensory Awareness Month, and Alice and Buddy were honored to meet with two fantastic guests to talk about this increasingly important aspect of themed attraction design! Join Tami Brown, Executive Director of the Soon-to-be-Opened Saint Louis Aquarium, and PGAV Destinations Vice President Emily Howard, as they walk us through the inclusive design choices being made in the construction of what may be one of the world’s most adaptive attractions for guests with various sensitive nee...

Episode 33: Interview with April Neal and A.D. Gladu of PGAV Destinations!

Episode 32: Interview with John Kemper and Dave Cooperstein of PGAV Destinations

Episode 31: Fandom, Fan Events, and Rainbow Capitalism

Episode 30: Ride Fanfiction Extravaganza!

In this extrapolated episode, join Alice and Buddy for a 30th-Episode-iversary extravaganza. We reached out to the Those Happy Places community for fanfiction about rides with basic or unstated stories. What sorts of narratives and emotions are theme park rides and attractions most suited to? What can we learn about the stories they inspired us to write? All this and more, listen in! Featuring guest segments by Lyna Jeanne, Aslam Choudry, Charles Gustine, and Nick Hoffman! Be sure to visit ...

Bonus Episode: Alice at Galaxy's Edge

In this far-out bonus episode, Buddy interviews Alice about her trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. What stories does this new place have to tell? How does the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction creatively use interactivity? What are the pitfalls of a highly themed bar at one of the world’s most popular theme parks? All of this and much more in this informal chat! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long...

Episode 29: Theme Park Food and Storytelling

In this tasteful episode, Buddy and Alice tackle the specific needs of theme park foods, the ways fandom develop around certain foods, and the importance of culinary experiences in the larger scheme of themed spaces. Topics include: Butterbeer, the invention of the Ice Cream Cone, the mysterious rise of the Turkey Leg, the not-so-mysterious rise of the Dole Whip, and a special extended aside on the Blue Bayou. Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goa...

Bonus Episode: Building a Game of Thrones Theme Park

In this once-thought-lost bonus episode, Alice and Buddy discuss the challenges and possibilities in the construction of a hypothetical Game of Thrones Theme Park. How does the property resist adaptation into a themed space? What inspiration can we take from existing attractions? What are the strengths of existing medieval themed spaces? Featuring very general spoilers for much of the show and existing books. While we’re not a recap show in the slightest, we assume at least a familiarity wit...

Episode 28: Tours, Tourism, and Tourists

In this globetrotting episode, Alice and Buddy reflect on their experience as both residents of areas popular with tourists, and as tourists themselves. What do cities and theme parks have in common, and what are their distinct differences? What draws people to places—and what kinds of experiences do we value as tourists? When does tourism become exploitative, and does education serve as a way to mitigate it when it does? Featuring an aside on the Experimental Prototype Tourism City of Tomor...

Episode 27: Adventure, Exploration, and Magic

In this verbose episode, join Alice and Buddy as they explore three words that Theme Parks around the world use in connection to themselves—Adventure, Exploration, and Magic. What do these three concepts mean in a controlled, safe, well-charted, and most importantly, non-magical place? Featuring a call-in voicemail from our friend and listener Lyna! Also, an aside on Duquesne’s Mad Labyrinth! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals,and an exclusi...

Watch Party: The Haunted Mansion (2003) with Charles Gustine!

In this special call-in episode, join Buddy, Alice, and Iconography’s Charles Gustine as they watch and review the infamous film adaptation of The Haunted Mansion. Released in 2003 and starring Eddie Murphy, can this oft-maligned movie redeem itself in the hearts of our hosts? We’ve got just over 98 minutes for you to chew on! Enjoy! Featuring an aside on Religion and Spirituality, many comparisons to Crimson Peak, and more than one mention of the Omnimover. Check out our Audience Survey—he...

Q&A Special: One Year of Those Happy Places!

In this very special episode, Buddy and Alice take some listener questions. It’s been one heck of a year—and they’ve got some big plans ahead! Stay Tuned! Discussion topics include: Extinct Attractions, Re-Imagining IP’s as Different Rides, Transplanting Disney Attractions, Building the Perfect Roadside Attraction, and Visiting International Parks! Check out our Audience Survey—help us get to know you! Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals,and ...

Episode 26: Chaos and Control

In this cosmological episode, Alice and Buddy dive into the ideas of Chaos, Control, and Determinism as they pertain to Theme Park Rides. How do various types of attractions offer chaotic experiences? What does the idea of chaos mean in rides that give their passengers a measure of control? Who controls a rider’s destiny on a ride? Featuring discussions on Bumper Cars, River Rapids, Autopia, the Teacups, and Astro Orbiters. Check out our Audience Survey—help us get to know you! Be sure to...

Episode 25: Mickey Mouse as Empty Signifier

In this symbolic episode, Alice and Buddy take a close look at one of the most iconic animated characters in history. What makes Mickey Mouse such a powerful symbol of the Disney Parks—not to mention the rest of the Walt Disney Company? How does he compare to other walk-around mascots? What, if any, are Mickey’s defining character traits? Featuring asides on Kingdom Hearts, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and the Legacy of Walt Disney. Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder ...