90s Disney

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris for a beloved Disney holiday tradition that goes back much further than you think. Every year since 1994, the Candlelight Processional is performed at Epcot. This moving show features choirs, musicians, and a celebrity narrator. But did you know this show can trace its origins back to Walt Disney and Disneyland's first year?

Early Disneyland Days

In 1955, Disney initiated the Disney at Christmas Festival, precursor to Candlelight Processional. Dr. Charles C. Hirt of USC suggested expanding the event, leading to the first true Candlelight Processional in 1958.

Walt Disney World Transition

Candlelight Processional moved to WDW in 1980. Initially in front of Cinderella’s Castle, it later shifted to the American Gardens Theater in Epcot.

Epcot & Expansion

With its popularity, Candlelight Processional became a centerpiece for Epcot's Festival of Holidays, lasting almost a month. Narrated by celebrities, it's known for subtle yearly changes, including song arrangements and choir pieces.

It's a new 90s Disney Podcast! By special request, we're donning our bug eyes to experience the Animal Kingdom opening day attraction, It's Tough to Be a Bug!

A Bug's Life

Explore the origins of Pixar's second feature film, "A Bug's Life," based on Aesop's fable, "The Ant and the Grasshopper." Discover how the film's development team and star-studded voice cast came together, including Dave Foley as Flik, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Princess Atta, and Kevin Spacey as Hopper.

The Tree of Life

Learn about the creation of Disney's iconic Tree of Life and the official story behind it. Delve into the initial concepts for what was to be housed inside the tree, including shows based on "Wonders of Nature" and "The Lion King."

Making the Attraction

Discover the making of the attraction "It's Tough to Be a Bug," from the role of Rhythm and Hues Studios to the design of the 428-seat theater. Understand how practical effects and animatronics, like Flik and Hopper, played a key role in the show's success.

California Adventure

Explore how the attraction made its way to California Adventure, initially part of Bountiful Valley Farm and eventually expanding into "A Bug's Land." Learn about the attraction's closing in 2018 to make way for Avengers Campus.

Changes and Future

Find out about upcoming changes, including the announcement that a Zootopia show will replace "It's Tough to Be a Bug" at a later date.

Our Memories of the Show

The hosts share their personal memories and experiences related to the show.

Where to Find Us

Welcome to the 90s Disney Podcast! Join your hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti as they embark on a journey into the past to explore the history, evolution, and mixed legacy of the classic Disney attraction, "Journey Into Your Imagination."

Get ready to travel back to October 1, 1999, a time when "Stuart Little" was the number one movie, "Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas ruled the charts, and J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" had captivated readers' imaginations.

The Early History

Uncover the origins of "Journey into Your Imagination," which can be traced back to Disneyland's never-built Discovery Bay and a unique audio-animatronic show called "Professor Marvel's Gallery of Illusion." Learn about the original concept and how it evolved into the beloved attraction we remember.

The Original

Take a ride through the original "Journey into Imagination" attraction, where you boarded purple omnimover vehicles and explored scenes related to art, literature, performing arts, and science. Discover the magic of the Kodak ImageWorks and the innovative design of the ride.

Necessary Updates

Explore the reasons behind the need for updates to Disney attractions, including the pressure sponsors felt to keep rides fresh. Dive into the challenges faced by Kodak and Eisner's desire to rework the attraction. Learn how these factors influenced the changes made to "Journey into Your Imagination."

Your Imagination

Join the hosts on a virtual ride-through of "Journey into Your Imagination," where you'll experience the revamped attraction as it appeared in its new iteration. Discover the reworked storyline, characters, and effects introduced during this era.

The Reaction

Learn about the mixed reception that "Journey into Your Imagination" received from fans and park-goers. Understand why many were disappointed with the changes and the absence of Dreamfinder and Figment. Explore how this iteration of the attraction failed to capture the imagination of its audience.

With Figment!

Discover the rebirth of the attraction as "Journey into Imagination with Figment." Follow the hosts as they recount the reintroduction of Figment, the mischievous purple dragon, and his interactions with Dr. Nigel Channing. Explore the new sensory labs and the return of the beloved "One Little Spark" song.

Legacy Today

Explore the enduring popularity of Figment and Dreamfinder, despite the changes to the attraction. Dive into the character's appearances in various forms of Disney media and the continued fan appreciation for the original version of the ride.

Our Memories

Join the hosts as they share their personal memories and experiences related to "Journey into Your Imagination" and its various iterations. Discover the impact this attraction had on their Disney journeys.

Where to Find Us

Welcome to the 90s Disney Podcast! Join your hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti as they dive into the world of Disney's All-Star Resorts. Get ready for a nostalgic journey through the development, design, and experiences at these iconic value-priced accommodations.

The Need for Value

Remember the first thing that crossed your mind when planning a Disney trip? Cost, right? Discover how the expense of staying on Disney property led to the need for more affordable options, especially as more parks opened. Learn about the shift in guest behavior and Disney's desire to keep tourists within the magic.

Developing Value

Explore the decision to create the All-Star Resorts and the selection of 246 acres of land at the southern end of Disney property. This unique area, located in Osceola County, was a prime location for the new value-priced hotels. Dive into the details of the development process and the involvement of Architectonica, known for its high-tech modernism.

All-Star Sports

Take a closer look at the first of the All-Star Resorts to open, All-Star Sports, on April 29, 1994. Learn about the themed sections within the resort and the budget-conscious decisions made to keep prices low. From room sizes to landscaping, discover what made these resorts unique.

All-Star Music

Explore All-Star Music, with its separate themed "hotels" like Calypso and Broadway. This resort introduced family suites and offered guests a diverse musical experience. Find out how it differed from All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies.

All-Star Movies

Delve into the announcement of All-Star Movies and its opening on January 15, 1999. Explore the themed sections, including The Mighty Ducks, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Love Bug, Fantasia, and Toy Story.

What to Expect from a Stay Here

Get an overview of what you can expect during your stay at the All-Star Resorts, including dining options, pools, and themed areas within the resorts. Learn about the convenience of bus transportation to the parks and the pros and cons of each resort's location.

Refurbs

Discover the recent refurbishments of the All-Star Resorts and how they have enhanced the guest experience. From updated rooms to improved amenities, these changes have brought a fresh, modern feel to the resorts.

Our Memories of the Resort

Join us as we share their personal memories and stories from their stays at the All-Star Resorts, reminiscing about the fun and unique experiences we've had.

Where to Find Us

Welcome back to the 90s Disney Podcast! In this special episode AJ, Mike, and Chris take a nostalgic journey to explore the iconic PeopleMover and its transformation into the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Metro Liner Blue Line (TTA) at Walt Disney World.

Disneyland Origins

Join us as we delve into the origins of the PeopleMover, which opened in Disneyland's Tomorrowland on July 2, 1967. Discover how this futuristic monorail system, with its innovative electric motors, served as a model for transportation plans both for EPCOT and other cities. We'll also uncover the surprising history of Houston Airport's adoption of the WEDWay system in 1981.

Magic Kingdom's PeopleMover

Travel back in time to July 1975 when Walt Disney World introduced its own version of the WEDWay PeopleMover. Learn how this attraction was carefully integrated into Tomorrowland's development and discover its evolution from Space Port to the beloved Space Mountain.

New Tomorrowland

The excitement continues as we discuss the overhaul of Tomorrowland, resulting in the birth of the New Tomorrowland in June 1994. Inspired by Jules Verne and retro sci-fi, this revamped land featured a unified story that transformed the PeopleMover into the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Metro Liner Blue Line, your guide to the futuristic city hosting a spaceport and the League of Planets.

The Ride

Buckle up and join us for a virtual ride on the TTA Blue Line! From the Interplanetary Convention Center to a thrilling glimpse of Space Mountain's inner workings, we'll take you on a detailed tour of the sights and sounds that made this experience unforgettable.

Changes

Discover the changes that occurred over the years, including the 2009 refurbishment with a new narration by Mike Brassell. We'll also explore the 2022 refurbishment, where the attraction returned as the PeopleMover, featuring a new sponsor and narration by Stephen Stanton as ORAC-5.

Our Memories of the Ride

As we wrap up, we share our personal memories and stories of riding the PeopleMover/TTA, reminiscing about the magic and excitement that made it a cherished Disney experience.

Where to Find Us

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to join us for a movie. But not just any movie. It’s A Goofy Movie! Learn how Disney’s resident goof went from TV dad to star of his own feature film. We also learn how this film was produced around the world, the unorthodox way it was filmed, and the legacy of its incredible music. Grab your map, load up the station wagon, and practice your perfect cast (for your TikTok). It’s time to hit the open road!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you on a magical journey through the history and development of Fantasmic!, the spectacular nighttime show that has been enchanting Disney Park guests since 1992. Join Mickey Mouse as his dream takes an unexpected twist, leading him to face off against a medley of Disney villains. Through stunning water screens, dazzling projections, and a delightful mix of live performers, Fantasmic! Has entertained audiences at Disney parks across the world. Get ready to embark on a magical journey you won't soon forget as you uncover the fascinating story behind Fantasmic! Just keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Fantasmic! - Disney Parks Fandom

AJ, Mike, and Chris are ready to explore the Pacific Northwest at the Wilderness Lodge. Come learn the intricate backstory of this resort, both its factual origins dating back to the 70s, and its mythological roots as the home of a fictional explorer and his daughter.

Mike shares his experience as a solo visitor here while we reminisce the times we visited Wilderness Lodge in the past to explore its grounds and, of course, its food!

WildernessLodgeSite.com!

AJ, Mike, and Chris revisit a time when Disney was preparing to heavily invest in gaming after the success of Alladin on the Sega Genesis. This led to a new starring vehicle for Donald Duck. Donald in Maui Mallard was originally released in Europe. From there it gets... complicated. We talk about the game's multiple versions, releases, and more.

Maui Mallard Interview with John Fiorito

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to take a spin on the now classic Disneyland attraction, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. We explore all the other ways Roger almost came to the parks, the story of the imagineers that created the ride, and how the final attraction differs from what was planned. So hop aboard Lenny, watch out for weasels, and avoid the dip!

Somehow Jafar returned, and AJ, Mike, and Chris are here to get to the bottom of it! Join us as we explore the origins of the direct to video sequel that spawned an entirely new market for Disney. We discuss the movie's roots in the Aladdin TV show, the other sequel films it spawned, and how the creators feel about their creation. We hope you enjoy the show, because to us, you're always first rate!

AJ, Mike, and Chris talk all about our recent trip to Walt Disney World! Find out how six adults and six kids spent a week at the most magical place on Earth. AJ finally gets to experience Rise of the Resistance, Chris got to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind twice, and Mike ate and drank his way around the resort. We hope you enjoy getting to live vicariously through our family’s most recent visit to Disney World. Enjoy!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to don your lanyard, unzip your binder, and display your finest Disney pins as we explore the history of Pin Trading at the Disney Parks. We learn about the cast members behind the scenes who brought this trend to life in the parks, the origins of traditional pin trading outside of Disney, and how one Disney park had to skip out on the pin trading craze because it was too successful!

AJ, Mike, and Chris are ready to check out the future at Innoventions. This unique ”World’s Fair” style pavilion at Epcot held the promise of showcasing the latest technology, products, and yes, video games before consumers would ever get their hands on them. Smart homes, super computers, and the Sega 32X dominated these complex corridors until corporate interest waned and consumer technology moved to quickly to keep the area up to date.

So grab a Beverly and some ice cream, and meet us under the Electric Umbrella. Just watch out for that Ballzac flying at you!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to dine with the stars at Planet Hollywood. This global phenomenon took the world by storm in the early to mid-nineties, and Walt Disney World was no exception. Learn how the idea to eat in a showbiz museum was born, how the concept became reality, and what caused it all to go so horribly wrong. Pass the Chicken Crunch, grab a Home Alone, and have a seat under Sylvester Stallone's frozen body as we enjoy this month's episode!

AJ, Mike, and Chris discuss our favorite animatronics! From the life-like to the fantastical, we discuss the entire range of amazing creations found across the Disney parks. Did we miss your favorite? Be sure to let us know!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to board an XP-37 Star Cruiser as you prepare to blast off to Planet Z. This month, we're talking all about Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin! Join us as we trace this modern classic's origin all the way back to 1972's If You Had Wings. Buzz's theme park debut proved so popular that a version of this attraction was created in every Disney resort around the world (until a tiny Avenger gave one of them the boot).

Are you a Galactic Hero or a Star Cadet? We unlock the secrets of defeating Zurg, spotting reference's to the attraction's past, and identifying the ways the original track layout from 1972 is still in use today. Was this all a ruse so we could talk about Delta Dream Flight on our 90s-focused podcast? You'll have to listen to find out.

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to journey aboard a short-lived attraction, the Discover River Boats. Is it a ride? Is it a mode of transportation? Is it any fun? We answer all of your questions that you definitely asked as we explore the legacy of this unique journey that gave us our best look at an Animal Kingdom that never was.

AJ, Mike, and Chris explore the origins of the Disney Vacation Club. Learn how this idea of vacation ownership originated in the 80s before coming to fruition in the Disney Decade. From the early days of what is now the Old Key West Resort to Chris’s experience as current member, you can learn all about the way points work, how the DVC has expanded over the years, and what perks come with membership. Just don’t call it a timeshare!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to travel to the French countryside for the 30th anniversary of what was once known as Euro Disney. Learn about the alternative sites that almost became home to Disney’s European resort, the park’s initial failures, and its impact on the Disney Company for much of the 90s.

As the only Minotti brother to have been to France, Mike tells us about his time spent at Disneyland Paris. We talk about what’s different, what’s the same, and what makes this one of Disney’s most beautiful theme parks.

AJ, Mike, and Chris indulge their sweet tooth with their favorite confections, baked goods, and frozen goodies from around Walt Disney World (and beyond). Join us as we snack our way across the theme parks, resorts, and more as we share fond memories of our favorites!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to journey 220 million years in the past along with Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy as we explore Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Find out how this 1996 revamp of the Universe of Energy evolved from the Epcot opening day original, what short lived 1.5 version of the attraction, and the victor in Ellen’s eternal battle against a dinosaur.

Did you ever want to go on vacation to learn stuff? If you said yes, AJ, Mike, and Chris have the show for you! Join us as we take a look back at one of Disney's more interesting experiments, the Disney Institute. Learn how this hands-on education resort rose from the ashes of an abandoned residential community. What did Eisner see this time that prompted the development of a massive educational facility for Walt Disney World guests, and why did it fail so quickly? Join us as we teach you about learning at Walt Disney World!

AJ, Mike, and Chris stroll down memory lane as we discuss the attractions, restaurants, and experiences we missed the most from Walt Disney World. Join us as we talk about some childhood favorites that live on in our memories. Do you miss the days of floating above Fantasyland ina sky bucket? Do you want WDI to bring back Dreamfinder? This is the show for you!

AJ, Mike, and Chris go from zero to hero to kick off the new year with a look at Disney’s Hercules. Join us as we discover how this film came to be from an early pitch involving the Trojan War to deal to one day get Treasure Planet green lit. Did Mike make up a Ricky Martin cover of Go the Distance in his head? There’s only one way to find out. Enjoy!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to experience Disney's holiday classic, The Santa Clause, like never before. Join us as we discuss the creation of the first major starring role for Tim Allen as he becomes Santa Claus. Learn about animatronic reindeer, children's dentures, and the other actors that almost donned the fat suit. We hope you enjoy the show, but please be aware that pushing Mike off the roof and wearing his clothes is not a way to get on the podcast.

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you back to the 1950s and the height of the drive-in as we visit the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Learn about the origins of this Hollywood Studios fan-favorite restaurant, how its famous 45-minute loop of movie trailers, intermission adverts, newsreels, and cartoons came to be, and what the menu looked like when the restaurant opened in 1991.

AJ, Mike, and Chris debate which monorail resort is the best. Who will win? Will it be the luxurious Grand Floridian, the exquisitely themed Polynesian, or the Contemporary, which has a monorail GO THROUGH THE BUILDING!?

AJ, Mike, and Chris are very pleased to bring a special episode to you this month. To celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast, we are thrilled to welcome Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale to the show! Kirk and Gary co-directed this Academy Award-nominated film. They graciously agreed to sit down with AJ to discuss their personal experiences while working on this film. We put internet rumors to rest, discover how far one can launch a donut with surgical tubing, and discover how a group of animators, writers, and artists came together to create one of the greatest animated films ever produced.

AJ, Mike, and Chris talk about some of their favorite roller coasters. Not just a Disney parks, our journey takes us to Universal, Cedar Point, and more!

AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to join us backstage at the hottest concert in town! This month we're talking all about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! We talk about the ride's history, the bands that almost got to headline the attraction, the technology behind the thrilling launch, and the completely different storyline the attraction has at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. Traffic bug you? Then step on it! Walk this way for some sweet emotion as we present a ride that Mike will never go on. Unless a very specific change comes to the coaster. He still probably won't, though, but he'd think about it!

Join us as we talk about our favorite Fantasylands and the Fantasylands we want to visit. Whether you like the old-school charm of Disneyland's Fantasyland, the expansive offerings of Walt Disney World's Fantasyland, or the high-tech thrills of Tokyo Disneyland's Fantasyland, you're sure to never get tired of hearing about (or reading the works) Fantasyland.

AJ, Mike, and Chris journey to a blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood to experience the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Walt Disney World. Join us as we explore the attraction’s origins as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the tumultuous transition between the two attractions, and the opening of this now beloved dark ride. We also examine how Pooh arrived to the other Disney parks, how the ride honors the legacy of Mr. Toad, and the secret best candy store in any Disney park. Bounce along with us, just don’t bounce right out of the podcast!

Let's face it. Even though you've been to Disneyland or Walt Disney World countless times, there's still stuff you've never done. AJ, Mike, and Chris share some of the attractions, restaurants, and locations that they've yet to get to despite over 30 years of Disney vacations. Are any of ours on your list?