The Parks Academy - Discussing All Things Disney & Theme Parks

In this episode, we discuss the very popular Disney Dollars -- their rise and fall and how they crazed Disney fanatics.  Disney Dollars are a Walt Disney Company creation developed to make money fun and make fun money in 1987. They may be spent or collected and saved as souvenirs and are redeemable at any time before or after any period of inactivity. People may keep it as a souvenir or spend it l...

We're kicking off a new series about Defunct Disney attractions! Starting off is a ride that some have called unfunny, instantly dated, and creatively starved. Get ready to be called "babe" by a greasy, cigar-smoking agent and spend a relentless amount of time trying to navigate Southern California in the most illogical way. Show notes: https://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20160905/32163/supe...

Just like that, we've made it back! 

In this episode, we are joined by Cory (aka the Jungle Cruiser) from All Aboard Podcast. We start talking about the Haunted Mansion but quickly derail into the Jungle Cruise, tiki conventions, baseball giveaways, and Robert Zemeckis films. 3-D Printed Back to the Future Clock Cory's Tiki Mug Collection Tiki Oasis Convention The Haunted Mansion 2003 Robert Zemeckis Filmogrophy

In this episode Stephen interviews the very talented Jacob McAlister. We discuss everything from his role in designing Disney-based board games, to developing brand new art for Disney events and rides. We also get into a lively discussion about film cameras, Joe Rhodie's modeling career, and, believe it or not, Stephen discovers the Society of Explorers and Adventurers for the first time ever. Fin...

In this episode, we meet with Steven Clark from Dintroverts to discuss what it's like visiting Disney parks as an introvert. Dintroverts Unite Dintroverts Instagram Page

In this episode, we're wrapping things up with the Mexico Pavilion. We are joined by our friends over at Market House Podcast and discuss food, entertainment, and the Three Caballeros tour. Listen to Market House Podcast Find Market House on Instagram 

In this episode, we dive into the Norway Pavilion. That's right, we have just one more to go after this! We're joined by returning guest and friend of the show Kirsten Judkins . Norway was one of the pavilions added after the '82 opening of EPCOT, and this pavilion has so much to offer. From Scandinavian treats to hidden Kristoffs, there's so much to learn and explore.    Shop Kirsten Judkins Desi...

In this episode we take a trip to the China Pavilion where we welcome our guest Sarah Evans. We discuss the rich history of China and how Disney has brought it over. Plus, we discuss the China Disney Parks and which we'd like to visit. 

In this episode, we head over to Germany and talk with our friends Emily and Clayton from Make it Magical Podcast. We dive into all of the shopping opportunities in the Germany Pavilion and why Clayton really, really, really likes Caramel Corn. Make it Magical on Instagram Listen to Make it Magical Podcast

In this episode we discuss the Italy Pavilion. Our guest is Johnny J from the DMSW Podcast . Johnny brings insight and humor to the incredible pavilion that is a joy to explore, eat, and drink at. Stephen can't remember the name of the whale in Pinnochio and Paige is working on bringing Lizzie McGuire to the pavilion. Listen to the DMSW Podcast here.

In this episode, we are joined by our friend Courtney Guth to discuss the American Adventure Pavilion. Courtney on Instagram Book of the Mouse Club Podcast

In this episode Stephen and Paige discuss the Japan Pavilion. We talk about the influence Kawaii has on the pavilion plus the ancient style of Japanese architecture, spirituality, and cuisine. 

In this episode, we discuss the Morocco Pavilion in World Showcase with Disney Dan . Paige couldn't make this episode, but we still got to talk, laugh, and have a great time. Learn why Morocco is unlike any other pavilion and how a semi-inappropriate was ultimately removed. Is Disney Circumcising EPCOT's Moroccan Member? How to See the Tower of Terror from Inside EPCOT Thunder in Paradise: Sealed...

In this episode, we discuss the France Pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase with @larissadrawsstuff . We try out hand and French pronunciation while Larissa shares her experiences there from Hawaii. Larissa Marantz Website

In this episode, we talk about the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Joined by friend of the show Christina Dayton. Mary Poppins Attraction Bass Ale Draft (Disney Booze Guide) How to Pronounce 'Twinnings' Tea

In this episode, we talk about the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase. Joined by friend of the show Brittany Deitrich.  Jack Black in Pizzerizzo Shirt Miss Rachel Goodnight Video "The Happiest Show on Earth" Splashtacular EPCOT Show

We're kicking off our World Showcase mini-series. Join us as we delve into how the World Showcase was created and conceived. Thank you to our sponsor Deep Cut . Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10. Thank you to our sponsor NEO Sabers . Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10.

In this episode, we discuss the history of the Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland Resort. Come with us as we barrel down this Swiss wonder's sharp turns and rough terrain. We uncover the origins of Disney's "Lovers Lane" turned "Snow Hill" turned Matterhorn. Turns out, there really is a Basketball court inside the mountain, and we'll tell you which track is longer. Stay till the end to hear Paige t...

Join us at Parks Academy as we delve into the magical world of park icons in our exciting new episode, "Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat." In this installment of our Park Icons Mini Series, we explore the rich history, intricate construction, and controversial placement of one of Disney's most iconic landmarks. Step back in time with us as we uncover the origins of Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat, a symbol synonym...

In this episode we discuss the history of Pixar Pal-A-Round, Mickey's Fun Wheel, the Sun Wheel. We talk about how DCA went from a scattered version of a California postcard to a disjointed mix of Pixar and Marvel. Thank you to our sponsor Deep Cut . Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10 Illustration of Mickey Mouse courtesy of Magical Memories on Etsy. 

In this episode we discuss the history of Cinderella's Castle. Paige wants to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table and Stephen was dead wrong about whether or not you could actually walk through the castle. Plus, we do a little trivia about its various overlays and transformations.   Stephen also got the amazing Aloha Foodie shirt by friend of the show Jerrod Maruyama . (Go Giants). Thank you to our sp...

In this episode, we travel all the way back to 1955, where we explore Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Its rich history is filled with exciting details you might not expect. Find out why the Sleeping Beauty's walkthrough was shut down and what safety conspiracy theories have to do with it.  Thank you to our sponsor Deep Cut . Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10 . 

In this episode, we discuss the beautiful Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Plus we find out what Jane Goodall had to do with the tree, where you can find a hidden Mickey, and that Animal Kingdom was almost Noah's Ark??? Walt Disney & Jane Goodall It's Tough to be a Bug

In this episode, we discuss the history of the great Spaceship Earth. This park icon is a one-of-a-kind engineering marvel and is a beautiful piece of the Walt Disney World skyline. Tomorrow's Child EPCOT Song The Fascinating History of Spaceship Earth R. Buckminster Fuller 1967 Montreal World's Fair Biosphere Thank you to our sponsor Deep Cut . Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10 .