Notably Disney

It's time for a deep dive into Disney Cruise Line’s music here on Notably Disney, as host Brett Nachman welcomes on Steve Kriese of the DCL Podcast. Brett and Steve examine DCL's slate of stage shows, live musicians on board the ships, live events, and even the background music. Get ready to pack your bags and set sail for adventure as Brett and Steve enhance your excitement for all the terrific t...

Ever wonder the "origin stories" of the performers behind some of the most beloved Disney characters like Yzma, Maleficent, Baloo, and Mrs. Potts? Well, author Spencer Wright has crafted 13 chapters in his new book, Voices Behind the Magic, each one chronicling a voice artist's career. Among those featured are Eartha Kitt, Bing Crosby, Ed Wynn, and Angela Lansbury. Spencer focuses on their contrib...

On this episode of Notably Disney, we're engaging in a crossover episode of sorts, in that a past episode of Notably Disney will be appearing on the Dizney Coast to Coast podcast feed, whereas here on Notably Disney, you'll be able to listen to Dizney Coast to Coast Jeff DePaoli's interview with actor Michael Arden, who portrayed Quasimodo in Disney Theatrical's production of The Hunchback of Notr...

It's another semifinalists edition of Tunes & Quotes Trivia here on Notably Disney, in which contestants vie to correctly answer questions related to music and lines from the theme parks, films, and more. Competing on this episode is another set of all-stars who have won previous editions of trivia. Joining in today are podcaster Dan Heaton of The Tomorrow Society podcast, Disney aficionado Emily...

Over the past few years on Notably Disney, many contestants have won their editions of Tunes & Quotes Trivia. Now it's time for some of these all-stars to compete in the pursuit of being named the ultimate winner! In this semifinalists game, several past winners, including Courtney Guth of the Book of the Mouse Club podcast, Derek Lewis of The Mad Chatters podcast, and Tommy T of The Dis Quiz Show...

Jake Monaco is an accomplished composer known for creating the tunes for many of Disney and Pixar’s most recent animated fare, including the Forky Asks a Question shorts, shorts within Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Short Circuit series, and Pixar’s acclaimed SparkShort Out. He also composed Flora and Ulysses for Disney Plus earlier this year. On this episode of Notably Disney, Jake sits down with...

On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman reviews a new, popular book: "A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of the Most Magical Place on Earth." This is a stunning and satisfying read that features beautiful imagery of and prose about the vacation kingdom destination. This book review precedes the main feature: the fifth edition of Disney Tunes & Quotes Trivia! Competing on this...

Book of the Mouse Club hosts Emily McDermott and Courtney Guth are back in this second part of a conversation on Disney books that should be written. In the first part, host Brett Nachman, Courtney, and Emily addressed ideas for categories including autobiography/biography, theme parks and resorts, and film and television. Meanwhile, this second part places attention on book ideas related to music...

Countless Disney books have been published over the years, though have you ever wondered to yourself: why hasn’t a book about [insert subject here] debuted? Joining host Brett Nachman for this magical idea-thinking session are Emily McDermott and Courtney Guth, hosts of the Book of the Mouse Club podcast, two perfect people for brainstorming about books. Emily and Courtney have been on many past e...

From the Silly Symphonies and Alice in Wonderland to Hercules and The Princess and the Frog, jazz can be found within a plethora of Disney projects. The history of this style of music follows, in many ways, the course of Disney’s own development, often meeting at peculiar intersections. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman speaks with author Matthew Hodge, an associate professor a...

When it comes to one of the most magical lodging destinations on Disney property, perhaps nobody is more of an expert on the subject than author Donald W. Ballard. For many years Don has researched the history and legacy of the Disneyland Hotel. This fascination has led him to craft a website and multiple books on the hotel. On this episode of Notably Disney, Don talks with host Brett Nachman abou...

In National Geographic’s Secrets of the Whales, which debuted on Disney+ this past April, viewers witness the majestic mammalian families whose sense of commitment and loyalty are very akin to our own. Composing this stunning series is Raphaelle Thibaut, whose investment in her craft comes through most beautifully in complementing the amazing visuals with an oceansong score that only enhances the...

Accomplished Disney author David Bossert has chronicled the lives of famous Disney figures in his previous titles, including executive Roy E. Disney and furniture designer and architect Kem Weber. In his latest book, Claude Coats: Walt Disney’s Imagineer – The Making of Disneyland from Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond, Dave uncovers the story of the Disney Legend and Imagineer. Coates w...

In this second half of a two-part episode that celebrates the magic and music of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which recently turned 25 years, Hunchback aficionado and author Dr. James Mason (the Disney Connections & Collections series) joins host Brett Nachman to talk about the rest of the memorable tunes (including "Hellfire" and "A Guy Like You"), Oscar-nominated score, and its eventual stage an...

In honor of Disney's animated masterpiece The Hunchback of Notre Dame reaching its 25th anniversary this summer, massive Hunchback fan and author Dr. James Mason (the Disney Connections & Collections series) joins host Brett Nachman to discuss the film's magic and music. In this first half of a two-part episode, James and Brett discuss how they first became connected to the film, share the social...

Composer Harry Gregson-Williams’ decades of scores are scattered across films of all genres, from sci-fi in The Martian to animated comedy in Shrek alongside John Powell. His work within the world of Disney dates back to serving as an orchestral conductor on Muppet Treasure Island in 1996, and he has since worked on projects including The Tigger Movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch...

For three-quarters of a century, ABC News has delivered up-to-date information on world events via radio, television, and digital platforms. In author John Baxter's new book, the news division of the "alphabet network" is the cover story. ABC News: 75 Years in the Making showcases the evolution of the brand, the talent, and the stories that unfolded along the way. John joins host Brett Nachman on...

25 years ago, Disney engaged in one of its earliest reimaginings of a classic animated film into live-action with the massive hit 101 Dalmatians, starring Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, and Joely Richardson. The film’s lush score, composed by the legendary and late Michael Kamen, is perhaps an overlooked gem that features some memorable themes and rich orchestration. On this episode of Notably Disney,...

Composer Kevin Kiner is responsible for translating the epic feel of Star Wars music to popular television series, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, for which he recently won an Annie Award for, as well as Star Wars Rebels. Now we’re about to see a new phase of Kevin’s work with the release of Star Wars: The Bad Batch on Disney Plus, for which he is handling the score. Kevin talks with host Bre...

Illustrator Rob Yeo is a gifted designer and artist whose work for a variety of brands, including Holiday Inn and Mall of America, has led to these creations being spotlighted at an international level. His Disney-inspired work, however, may be of most interest to listeners of Notably Disney. Rob's book cover designs have been featured on many titles for Theme Park Press, including releases by pas...

Eight years ago marked the launch of a new era for Disney’s most enduring character with the release of the ever-popular Mickey Mouse series of shorts, and more recently, the debut of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Composer Christopher Willis is the Emmy-nominated musician behind the shorts and now the attraction, and along with his wife, vocalist Elyse Willis, th...

On the previous episode of Notably Disney, author and podcaster Aaron Wallace joined Brett Nachman to discuss their initial set of picks of musicians who should be named as Disney Legends. This second part continues the dialogue as Aaron and Brett recognize talented performers, composers, singers, and songwriters who they believe should be inducted into the elite club of Disney Legends. Get in con...

Over nearly 35 years, Disney Legends have been awarded to individuals who have made an indelible impact on The Walt Disney Company. Some have served as Imagineers, executives, actors, animators, or other roles. Considering this podcast concentrates much of the content on music, it only seemed fitting to put on our imaginary Sorcerers Hats and imagine if we could call the shots on who associated wi...

Here on Notably Disney we continue to recognize the forthcoming 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, billed as The World’s Most Magical Celebration, through a look at the books and music celebrating the vacation kingdom. Today’s guest is Christopher E. Smith, the author of many books on this subject matter, including The Walt Disney World That Never Was and The Backstories and Magical Secrets of...

In just over the past decade, Joseph Trapanese has made his mark in Hollywood with electric scores, orchestrations, and arrangements for popular films. Very notably, his orchestration for TRON: Legacy, composed by Daft Punk, has been recognized by the film community as one of the best scores in recent years. He is the composer behind Hollywood hits including Oblivion and Only the Brave and co-comp...