Those Happy Places
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsThose Happy Places is a podcast about Theme Park Rides, Attractions, and Lands. We focus on the stories they tell, how they tell them, and why it matters. Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring Phil Alvin.
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Episodes
Episode 24: Motion as Metaphor
January 28, 2019 05:11 - 52.1 MBIn this comparative episode, Buddy and Alice explore how motion in rides and attractions can be used to gesture towards an experience, place riders in the mindset of a character, or imply themes of a story. Listen in to find out how motion itself is the language of attractions—and how it mimics the written word in literature! Featuring discussions on Soarin’, Riddler’s Revenge, Superman, The Hulk, Splash Mountain, Dumbo’s Flying Circus, and the Mad Tea Party. Small asides on Haunted Mansion ...
Minisode 4: Alice at Podcon Seattle
January 28, 2019 03:50 - 16.4 MBIn this conventional minisode, Alice reflects on her experience at Podcon Seattle. What do themed spaces have to do with the vast blank canvas of convention halls? What are the benefits of being at an event that draws people together? How does it feel to meet your listeners—and the people you listen to? This Minisode is a preview of our Patreon member benefit—available at the “A Ticket” Tier and above! Check it out and consider supporting us! Those Happy Places is Produced by Alice White an...
Episode 23: Theme Parks, Permanence, and the Speed of Change
January 13, 2019 04:18 - 51.7 MBIn this timely episode, Alice and Buddy discuss the ways Theme Parks are both permanent and impermanent spaces, known for their signature attractions, and yet constantly expected to change. How do theme parks differ from other media in the ways they evolve over time? What examples of changing attractions do we have—and how did they handle change positively or negatively? And finally, what happens when an attraction comes back from being removed? Plus, the announcement of our very exciting Pa...
Episode 22: Performativity and the Shared Experience
December 31, 2018 22:36 - 38.9 MBIn this festive episode, Alice and Buddy take a trip to Knott's Berry Farm to discuss its Holiday overlay, Knott's Merry Farm! While on an iconic coaster, Alice was struck with inspiration--why do we scream on thrill rides? Are we performing for others? What makes the social experience of theme parks unique? Plus, an aside on Ghostrider, the wooden coaster in question, and a particularly emotionally resonant end-of-the-year message! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited b...
Episode 21: Diegesis and Ride Vehicles
December 21, 2018 05:56 - 62 MBIn this moving episode, Alice and Buddy take a look at the ways Ride Vehicles interact with the fiction of theme park rides and attractions—how do they function in -universe? What separates the diegetic vehicles from their non-diegetic counterparts? How do some attractions transcend their vehicles non-diegetic qualities? Featuring discussions on Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin, the Haunted Mansion, Universal’s Studio Tour, E.T.: The Ride, and Transformers: The Ride. Those Happy Places is produ...
Episode 20: Attraction Adaptation Extravaganza!
November 21, 2018 02:42 - 65.1 MBIn this celebratory episode, Alice and Buddy pitch each other movie franchises based on two classic Disneyland attractions, and are then joined by three very special guests to hear their adaptation pitches. Featuring Marie of Go Your Own YA, Charles Gustine of Iconography, and T.H. Ponders of Accession! We would also like to preemptively apologize to Paul Giamatti.
Episode 19: Pirates, Revisionism, Revisions, and Adaptations
November 01, 2018 14:35 - 69 MBIn this rollicking episode, Alice and Buddy set course for Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean to discuss its complex relationship with history, and the ways it has gradually changed over time. How have audience tastes and needs changed over time? Has the attraction changed sufficiently to reflect them? What, exactly, is this attraction’s theme? What is its relationship to history? What is its relationship to its own history? This one’s a bit long! Keep a weather eye open—there be squalls ...
Episode 18: Halloween, Harvests, and Themed Spaces
October 21, 2018 20:57 - 50.8 MBIn this spooky episode, Alice and Buddy take a look at Halloween’s origins, its unique traditions and tones, and its role in extending theming into our daily lives. Then, we take a look at how Theme Parks tackle Halloween, by taking a look at Disney’s American parks, and Knott’s Scary Farm! Featuring a Walt Disney World Field Report from Wil Williams! Find Wil’s website for podcasting resources and reviews here: https://wilwilliams.reviews/
Episode 17: Haunted Mansion Holiday and Thematic Synthesis
October 07, 2018 01:11 - 44.3 MBIn this chilling episode, Alice and Buddy take on the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, featuring all of our favorite characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas! Discussions include: Thematic Synthesis between the two rides, the effectiveness of the combination, and the film’s place in holiday movie re-watch rosters. We were really surprised with what we ended up deciding—we hope you are, too! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is...
Episode 16: Mickey's Toontown, Character Meet and Greets, and World Building
September 16, 2018 07:37 - 58.8 MBIn this animated episode, Buddy and Alice take a nostalgic trip to Toontown. We discuss its internal lore and structure, its history, and its role in constructing the experience of meeting our favorite characters. Plus, an aside on the secret connections between Disney's animated characters and the lore behind their appearances in the parks! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring ...
Episode 15: The Jungle Cruise, Comedy, and Colonialism
September 10, 2018 05:28 - 58.2 MBIn this wild episode, Buddy and Alice explore the connection between Disneyland's Jungle Cruise and Colonialist Literature. How are these influences presented uncritically by Adventureland's oldest ride? What is the role of the Skipper in interpreting its current meaning? Featuring a voicemail from Charles Gustine of the Iconography Podcast! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring ...
Episode 14: Jurassic Park River Adventure, Tropes, and Transmedia
August 13, 2018 00:52 - 48.8 MBIn this biting episode, Alice and Buddy take on the soon-to-be-refurbished Jurassic Park River Adventure. They discuss Universal's penchant for strange Intellectual Property choices, the history of the ride's development, its relationship to Transmedia storytelling, and its use of a popular ride trope. Plus, an aside on the Lysine Contingency! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuri...
Episode 13: Interview with Defunctland's Kevin Perjurer
August 05, 2018 23:01 - 78.7 MBIn this telling episode, Buddy and Alice are joined by YouTuber and recently minted author Kevin Perjurer to talk about his upcoming book, Defunctland: Guide to the Magic Kingdom. We discuss the process of writing literature about Theme Parks, Storytelling within them, and the nature of preserving attractions. Other Topics: Dole Whip's unlikely origins, the philosophy of closure, and the pitfalls of writing in the second person. Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by B...
Episode 12: Knott's Berry Farm, Local Identity, and Two Walters
August 01, 2018 21:57 - 51 MBIn this historic episode, Alice and Buddy examine the story of Knott's Berry Farm--its origins as an actual Berry Farm, its early role in preserving local buildings and histories, and its ongoing (and unearned) reputation as a second-fiddle competitor to Disneyland. Featuring an interview with "Iron-Horse Steve," a docent at the Knott's Berry Farm museum, on the origins of the Boysenberry. Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golde...
Episode 11: Knott's Berry Farm, Tension, and Catharsis
July 08, 2018 21:28 - 43.6 MBIn this thrilling episode, Buddy and Alice return from a research expedition to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, to talk a little about Tension--Literary, Narrative, and Physical--in the Roller Coaster experience. How do Xcelerator: The Ride, Hangtime, Silver Bullet, and Jaguar employ principles of tension in their design? When is tension healthy and welcoming, versus unhealthy and dangerous? How do stories, thrill rides, and catharsis relate to each other? Listen in to find ou...
Episode 10: Ride Design Challenge and Imagineering Extravaganza
June 23, 2018 01:06 - 102 MBIn this very special episode-versary, Buddy and Alice sit down in the same room for the first time in the show's history to pitch ride ideas at each other, and to take ride design challenges from three very special call-in guests--Charles Gustine, T.H. Ponders, and Gavin the Podcat! Topics include: Portal: The Ride, Mad Max and the Warcoaster, Lilo and Stitch's Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, Broadway Land, and a final idea that's too good to reveal here. Give a listen! Those Happy Places is...
Episode 9: Star Tours, Continuity, and Timelines
May 31, 2018 04:41 - 57.3 MBIn this episode, join Alice and Buddy as they discuss the finer points of Star Tours (1987) and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (2011), and their relationship to the concept of Canon in the Star Wars Universe. Topics: Narrative Continuity, Canon Defined, Star Tours and the Death Star, Captain Rex and Droid Sentience, The Adventures Continue and Time Travel, Galaxy's Edge Hopes, and a surprise appearance by Mickey's Toontown.
Minisode 3: Alice in Disney World
May 25, 2018 18:41 - 9.83 MBIn this minisode, Alice White takes a family trip to Orlando for five days at the most magical place on Earth. Listen as she ponders coastal differences, adults making their own fun at Disney parks, and covers her best and worst experiences at each park she visited. Plus, she invites you to @ her on Twitter about the Carousel of Progress (bold strategy, Alice)! Buddy edited this episode in Hindenburg Journalist, which was a new experience for him. He's not jealous that he wasn't there.
Episode 8: Rides as Games, Emergent Narrative, and the Loss State
May 12, 2018 20:22 - 13.5 MBIn this episode, Alice and Buddy discuss the Disneyland Resort's two game-type rides--Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Toy Story: Midway Mania! How do these rides compare to actual games? What is their storytelling goal? How much trash talk can they fit into a one-hour podcast episode? Will they be able to avoid becoming a Toy Story Podcast? Find out by listening today!
Episode 7: Screens, Immersion, and the Fourth Wall
April 30, 2018 06:03 - 15.9 MBIn this episode, Alice and Buddy tackle the oft-maligned presence of screens in rides and attractions. When do they work? When don't they? Plus, they ruminate on the role of the fourth wall in theme parks, and have an aside about 3D glasses.
Minisode 2: Alice and Disneyland's Map
April 23, 2018 05:25 - 1.93 MBIn this second Minisode, Alice takes Ben, her Fiancee, to Disneyland, and discovers the exploratory potential of the park through fresh eyes. What does Disneyland's map say about the park--and the secret nooks and crannies within? Take a quick listen this week while we prepare another full episode! Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring Phil Alvin. Buddy's Twitter: https://twitter...
Minisode 1: Sonoma's Train Town with Buddy and Kate
April 23, 2018 04:25 - 5.55 MBIn this first Minisode, Buddy and Kate do some field recording from a very small Theme Park in Sonoma, California. Listen in to hear some history Stanley Frank, the man who built a quarter-scale train set and opened it to the public. Then, stick around for some reactions, and a wrap-up conversation on what a place like this means. Those Happy Places is produced by Alice White and edited by Buddy Duquesne. Our theme music is "Golden Gate" by The California Feetwarmers, featuring Phil Alvin. ...
Episode 6: Tower of Terror and Mission: Breakout!
April 15, 2018 00:57 - 18.4 MBThis week, Alice and Buddy take on the recently re-skinned Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure. What does the transition to Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: Breakout! mean from a storytelling standpoint? What is the intent behind a re-skinned ride? What are the fan responses, and why do they matter? Special guest Charles Gustine of the ICONography podcast starts us off this week. Check out his website: https://iconographypodcast.squarespace.com/
Episode 5: Disney's California Adventure and the Simulacra
March 28, 2018 03:49 - 17.6 MBDisney's California Adventure, opened in February 2001, immediately faced harsh criticisms from guests. What storytelling mistakes were made in the park's original design? What was the park attempting to do--and how successful was it? Listen in as Buddy and Alice take a look at concepts of parody, education, and the simulated in their attempt to understand the early storytelling failures of the park.
Episode 4: The Disneyland Railroad and Monorail
March 21, 2018 07:27 - 70.5 MBIn this episode, Alice and Buddy tackle two iconic attractions of Disneyland that function both as transportation for guests, and as myth-making symbols of both America's imagined past and future.
Those Happy Places Episode 3: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
March 14, 2018 06:05 - 71.1 MBIn this episode, Alice White and Buddy Duquesne ask the question fans must always confront when seeing a new attraction based on their favorite properties: does it measure up to the story? Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey gets analyzed, de-constructed, and ultimately reviewed by our hosts. Plus, Twitter shout-outs and our first Call-In Guest!
Episode 2: Fantasyland's Darkrides
March 08, 2018 05:35 - 79.7 MBFantasyland's darkrides are some of the most simple storytelling devices in theme park history, and yet they're emblematic of Disney and its dedication to using rides to tell stories. In this episode, Alice and Buddy discuss the history of Dark Rides, four specific attractions at Disneyland, and the importance of Intellectual Property usage at Disneyland. Give it a listen!
Those Happy Places Episode 1: The Haunted Mansion
March 01, 2018 05:26 - 65 MBHow does The Haunted Mansion Tell its story, and why? What are its themes, and how does it fit into the surrounding New Orleans Square in terms of storytelling? Find out on this first episode of Those Happy Places!
Those Happy Places Episode 0: Trailer
March 01, 2018 05:23 - 6.24 MBWhat is Those Happy Places? In this four-minute trailer, Buddy and Alice explain themselves, their methods, and why they chose to discuss theme park rides on the internet with the same techniques they might apply to literature or film. Give it a listen! Tell your friends!