90s Disney

AJ, Mike, and Chris travel back to the golden age of the dinosaurs. That is, the animatronic ones design by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. That's right, we delving into the history and creation of the hit ABC family sitcom Dinosaurs. We explore the show's origins as a feature film idea from Jim Henson himself into a biting satirical sitcom that tackled ideas like warfare, drug use, and co...

We decided to try a near impossible task. We rank the top 20 things at Disneyland park. We consider rides, food, places, and more. Tough decisions are made, battles are fought and won, and tears are shed. Let us know if we got it right or missed your favorite. 00:00 Bonus Episode Kickoff 01:08 Top 20 Disneyland Rules 02:06 Mark Twain Riverboat Love 03:09 Main Street Corn Dog Debate 05:10 Indiana J...

AJ, Mike, and Chris take a trip down to Disney's BoardWalk. Join us as we explore its earliest origins as an expansion to DVC, a standalone entertainment district, and even a mini amusement park. We talk about the changes over the years, and our own trips and memories. 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:17 Mission Space Debate 01:49 Ranking The Simulator 02:26 Guardians Versus Orange 03:01 BoardWalk Resor...

What can be more fun than getting into a box and shaking around while watching a movie screen? We're ranking every simulator attraction at the US based Disney and Universal parks. Find out where your favorite ranks! 00:00 Intro 01:44 Rules and Park Plan 02:28 Epcot Body Wars 04:16 Soarin Counts as Simulator 05:52 Soarin Versions Ranked 08:01 Journey to Jerusalem Deep Cut 09:19 What Counts as S...

Lightspeed for the Moon of Endor as AJ, Mike, and Chris welcome you aboard Star Tours! This classic Disney attraction brought George Lucas's Star Wars universe to the Disney parks around the world in a big way, and its legacy continues today. Learn how motion simulators were first planned for Disneyland, the initial ideas for Star Wars attractions, and how this journey continues today. 00:00 M...

AJ is joined by Jeff Blyth, the director of The Timekeeper! Jeff discusses his early film career working as a helicopter cinematographer, his first time working with Circle-Vision, and the development of The Timekeeper. We debunk a long standing myth, uncover previously unknown details about the cast, and learn more about the challenges of filming in 360 degrees. You won't want to miss this! 0...

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we travel back in time to 1994 to visit the Timekeeper. This beloved Circle-Vision 360 attraction revolutionized the format with innovative film techniques, special in-theater effects, and elaborate audio-animatronics. With memorable performances from the likes of Robin Williams and Jeremy Irons, this global attraction delighted guests in France, Florida, and Tokyo. We&...

For this bonus episode of 90s Disney, we rank theme park weenies! From castles to golf balls and ski jumps, we decide which park icons look the best. 00:00 Intro 00:32 What Is a Park Weenie 01:48 Cinderella Castle 04:04 Spaceship Earth 07:06 Animal Kingdom Tree of Life 09:55 Other Animal Kingdom Weenies 11:54 Hollywood Studios Weenie Fight 16:14 Disney World Rankings Recap 16:45 Water Parks Icons...

AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti celebrate Cinderella Castle's return to its classic grey and blue color scheme by exploring the history of the 25th Anniversary Cinderella Castle Cake. We reveal the creators behind this architectural confection, the surprising building materials utilized, and the one brand name of candy that was allowed to be included. While it was polarizing during its 15 month ru...

AJ, Mike, and Chris are here to discuss AJ's recent three day trip to Walt Disney World with our dad! In 72 hours, we hit all four parks, and thanks to minimal sleep, we did a lot! Check out AJ's opinions on some newer attractions he got to experience for the first time including Tron Lightcycle/Run, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and Test Track 3.0. Hear his thoughts on some excellent meals...

AJ, Mike, and Chris play a diabolical game. Starting in Walt Disney World then moving to Universal Orlando, we are only allowed to save one ride, one show, one shop, one quick service, and one table service restaurant at each park. Will your favorite make the cut? Did we forget something? Give us your picks! 0:00 Introduction and Game Setup 01:20 Magic Kingdom 15:04 Epcot 22:00 Hollywood Studios 3...

In this episode of 90s Disney , we kick off a new tradition by hopping back exactly 30 years to explore what Walt Disney World was like in 1996. We talk about what was new, what was changing, and what was on the horizon, as Walt Disney World continued to grow into a true multi-day destination. From evolving attractions and live entertainment to shifting priorities across the resort, 1996 captures...

It’s a very special holiday episode of 90s Disney as we celebrate both the Christmas season and Mikey’s birthday with a full Walt Disney World trip report! Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they unwrap a whirlwind week of festive experiences across the parks and resorts. Mike kicks off the trip at the brand-new Polynesian tower, a first look inside the Pirates of the Caribbean–themed lounge, Beak &...

In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , AJ, Mike, and Chris take on a challenge no one asked for but every Disney fan will have an opinion about: ranking every Walt Disney World Resort lobby! From the opulent grandeur of the Grand Floridian to the cozy, cabin comfort of Wilderness Lodge, the brothers go resort by resort, debating atmosphere, theming, nostalgia, smells (yes, the smells), and those sp...

AJ, Mike, and Chris go back to Disneyland in 1997 to explore the infamous, short-lived nighttime spectacular Light Magic, the ill-fated “spiritual successor” to the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade . Opening on May 23, 1997 , Light Magic promised guests a high-tech evolution of the classic parade. What they got instead was something… different. Does Light Magic deserve its bad reputation, or...

In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris discuss what it really means to “plus” a Disney attraction — that time-honored Imagineering term for enhancing or improving an existing ride without completely replacing it. Inspired by recent announcements about updates to attractions like Frozen Ever After and Ratatouille: The Adventure , the trio goes park by park through Walt Disn...

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we dive into the history of Festival of the Lion King , one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved stage shows. Opening alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, the show was originally designed as a quick, temporary solution, but it grew into a fan-favorite production that’s still running today. We explore the fascinating journey of the show, including: The ori...

In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , the Minotti decide the top 5 picks for the best live shows in the history of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! From Broadway-style musicals to stunt spectaculars, atmospheric streetmosphere acts, and fan-favorite singalongs, we cover the entire run of Hollywood Studios’ entertainment offerings—past and present. Which ones made us laugh? Which...

It belongs in a museum… or maybe just the theme park stage! This week on 90s Disney , we’re cracking the whip and diving into the boulder-sized legacy of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney-MGM Studios. We explore the origins of this groundbreaking live-action stunt show, its connections to the opening of Disney’s third park in 1989, and the impact of Indy mania on everything from cast...

Welcome to the great Moderate Resort Showdown! In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , AJ, Mike, and Chris debate and discuss the best—and maybe not-so-best—of Walt Disney World’s Moderate resort hotels. We cover each resort in the category: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Along the way, we talk themes, dining, transportation, pool vibes, p...

In this episode of 90s Disney, join hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris as they take you on a journey through a summer cocktail adventure, Disney style! The episode kicks off with the trio preparing for a fun-filled night of cocktail-making while reminiscing about their past Disney experiences. Each host introduces and makes a unique Disney-themed cocktail. This third annual summer cocktail episode promises...

Sometimes you don’t have time for a sit-down meal in the parks, and honestly, sometimes you just want a really good cheeseburger. In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , the Minotti brothers share their favorite quick service meals from across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando! From mobile order go-tos and cult-favorite entrees to hidden gems and legendary snacks, we’re serving up personal pic...

This week, we're setting sail with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Tim Curry as we revisit Muppet Treasure Island, Disney’s 1996 swashbuckling adventure that proved you can never have too many pirates... or Muppets. We explore how the Muppets returned to adapting literary classics after the success of Muppet Christmas Carol , why Gonzo and Rizzo were almost the stars of this film, and how Tim Curry...

Which theme park lines are the most fun to stand in? Which queues are masterpieces of storytelling and design? In this bonus episode, the AJ, Mike, and Chris give their picks for the best lines (and maybe a few worst ones) across Disney and Universal theme parks. Whether it's for the set dressing, the nostalgia, or the sheer entertainment value, these are the places we're surprisingly happ...

Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they dive deep into the legendary Adventurer’s Club at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island and explore how it inspired and connects to the global lore of Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) ! In this episode: The history of the Adventurer’s Club, its immersive theater roots, iconic characters, and quirky traditions like the famous “Kungaloosh!” What m...