Distory with Kate & Kirk

What dangerous live animal was almost on display in the Jungle Cruise queue? In this episode of Distory, we walk through the fascinating history of Disneyland's Jungle Cruise, beginning with what it looked like in 1955 through all of its major renovations throughout the years. Along the way, we discuss some secret references, meet three friendly birds (both real and animatronic), and make an i...

How is a name from the Lion King tied to the Jungle Cruise? And did rhinos really moon guests once upon a time? In this wild Distory episode, we monkey around with the animals of the Jungle Cruise as we learn about their inspiration, creation, and the unique challenges the Imagineers faced in bringing them to life. We'll also chat about some very cheeky rhinos, discover how the elephants know...

Is there a deeper meaning behind the backside of water? In this episode of Distory, we continue our adventure into the history of Disney's Jungle Cruise by rolling up our sleeves and discussing the nitty gritty details of the ride's construction. Along the way we explore a historic operating procedures guide, read Imagineer Harper Goff's notes to Walt Disney, and talk about the meaning...

The Jungle cruise boat canopies were always meant to be canvas... right? Well, not quite. And their original purpose is different than what you might think. In this episode of Distory, we continue our journey through the history of the Jungle Cruise as we look through the oddities of the attraction's original concept art, hunt down trees in unlikely places with Bill Evans and Harper Goff, and...

Do you remember when Neptune starred in the Jungle Cruise? ... Ok, so that concept didn't ever end up in the actual ride, but it almost did! In this episode of Distory, we begin our multi-part series on the history of the Jungle Cruise by taking a cruise back in time to encounter the original inspiration for this iconic attraction. Along the way, we'll encounter some exotic trips sponsored...

Why are some people who helped build Disneyland never mentioned at Disney? In the Distorian's Lounge with Kate this week, we spill ALL the tea about four scandalous and shocking stories from Disney's past. We chat about two people who should have windows on Main Street but don't (and why), as well as learn about how an insult to Walt contributed to the loss of a major deal, and why tin...

The restaurants, shops, and even sidewalks of Sunset Boulevard are telling you a story with every step you take, some of which even speak to places that no longer exist.  In this episode of Distory, we walk you down this fascinating street in Disney's Hollywood Studios (or rather Disney-MGM Studios, as it was originally called), to highlight some of historical context built into the designs. W...

The best Disney attraction was one that was never built, but did leave pieces of its legacy in almost all of the Disney Parks. In this episode of Distory, we discover the planned (but never created) Western River Expedition and its heartbreakingly incredible home of Thunder Mesa, the missing mountain of Frontierland in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. We'll walk step-by-step though Marc Davis...

Why did Walt Disney create Disneyland? We've all heard the Walt-on-a-bench-in-Griffith-Park origin story of Disneyland, and while that was one of the influences behind Walt's decision to make Disneyland, it wasn't the only one. In this episode of Distory, we dig deep into the history of the many influences in Walt's life and travels that impacted the design of this iconic theme par...

The hitchhiking ghosts take a hike for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay in favor of Oogie Boogie... right?  Well, not quite. In this episode of Distory, we return to the Haunted Mansion for a look at the making of the Nightmare before Christmas & some other mansion overlay possibilities that never came to pass. We then hop in our dark carriages and go on a hunt in every nightma...

Were Doritos really invented in Disneyland? Well, sort of. Kinda. Mostly.  In this episode of Distory, we make our home in Casa de Fritos for a salty journey through the history of golden corn chips in the Disney parks. After learning about how the golden chips of corn got their start, we talk taco prices in 1955, meet a lost mascot who delivered fresh snacks via a fancy vending machine, and disco...

Do you remember when Mickey Bars had a face?  On this episode of Distory, we treat ourselves to the history of Disney's iconic snack foods, including churros, Mickey ice cream bars, and turkey legs. We time travel back to the 90s when Chip n' Dale used to have a starring role as a frozen treat, and find out how a popular Disneyland dance club inspired one of the most beloved Disney snacks...

How did Walt Disney steer his curved-dash runabout in parades without a steering wheel? What was the proper protocol for honking the horn on horseless carriages in 1966? And what was the only classic Disney vehicle that was NOT Walt's idea?  Take a relaxing surrey ride with us down Main Street USA as we explore the fascinating history of Disneyland & Disney World's Main Street Vehicles...

Marching toy soldiers and dancing reindeer weren't around when Disneyland had its first Christmas parade in 1955. In fact, the parade barely hinted at the holidays, and instead was a promotional event for something quite different indeed. In this episode of Distory, we walk through the history of Disneyland's Christmas parades, discovering a few unexpected surprises and mishaps along the w...

Was Michael Eisner good or bad for Disney? In this special episode of Distory, we debate Michael Eisner's influence and how his decisions shaped the landscape of Disney as a company, both in positive and negative ways. We walk through "The Disney Decade" step by step and unravel how this powerful CEO went from leading a Disney Renaissance to crashing and burning at the end of his ten...

The scenes in Pinocchio's Daring Journey each have their own story and a moral lesson. But the ride often flies by so fast we can't take in the full depth of what the intentional design is communicating both emotionally and psychologically. In this episode of Distory, we go behind the scenes of this 1980s Disneyland dark ride and discuss how it was the first Disney attraction ever to use a...

In the 1980s, the Imagineers at WED completely redesigned Fantasyland. But was it made into what Walt always wanted, or is there more to the story? In this episode of Distory, we travel back in time to explore the origins of the dark ride before discussing Tony Baxter's perspective of the Fantasyland remodel and sharing details from historic internal WED work documents regarding Pinocchio'...

We like to think of Pinocchio as a happy, easily-persuaded little puppet who just couldn't help but lie and get into trouble even though he was accompanied by Jiminy, his faithful conscience. But that's not who they originally were (not even close!). In this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we discover where Disney found the story of Pinocchio, how they altered the story and the ch...

Despite common belief, Dole Whips were not actually invented for Disneyland, and their history is not as old as you might think it is.  On this episode of Distory, we explore the secretive past of the Dole Whip and why this simple treat has become so iconic in Disney culture. We then fly south to make friends with the Orange Bird and learn why he is always thinking orange, and also how his story h...

"It’s a whole new world so you better get hip or your audience will disappear." Those famous, cringy words of Iago from the largely unpopular Under New Management version of the Enchanted Tiki Room are the ironic premonition of the fate of this famous fever dream of a Walt Disney World Attraction. On this episode of Distory, we travel back in time to Disney World's original Enchanted...

Have you heard the lost song of the Tiki Room? In this episode of Distory, we talk about the origins of all the music in the Enchanted Tiki Room, including the title song composed by the Sherman Brothers and some of the songs that were repurposed from previous Disney projects. We also have a chat with the Birdbrain brothers, learn more about the four emcee macaws, and listen to vintage audio from...

Stand back! This episode of Distory is filled with the fascinating history of the lanai tikis of the Tiki Room, the original 1960s concept art for the attraction, and even a discussion about a goddess who used to have a prominent role in the preshow and who has been missing for years. We also discuss how the Imagineers influenced each other in design, discover how a previously unused concept was r...

Pay attention, it's showtime! In this episode of Distory, we ruffle a few feathers as we discuss the origins of the Tiki Room and where you can still see evidence of an abandoned concept in the attraction today. We also fly over the history of audio-animatronics and explore how military technology aided the creation of our fine feathered friends.  Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:3...

Dumbo the Flying Elephant seems like a simple off-the-shelf spinner ride, but its unique history is filled with frustrations, malfunctions, and design alterations. In this episode, we talk about the economical production process of Disney's Dumbo that didn't go over well with some animators, and how the creation of the attraction for the Disney parks echoed the animated film's hardship...

Have you ever wondered why the teacups at Disney are so hard to spin? Well, they weren't always that way. In this episode of Distory, we move down through the history of the Mad Tea Party and go a little mad explaining the backstory, concept art, design challenges, and multiple changes that have made this iconic ride what it is today.   Join us LIVE on YouTube most Thursdays at 10:30am Pacific...