The Parks Academy - Discussing All Things Disney & Theme Parks

In this episode, we continue our discussion on Park Icons and bring our attention to the park formerly known as MGM Studios. We discuss the strange and robust Twilight Zone Tower of Terror history. Find out what Eddie Murphy and Stephen King have to do with the ride, and learn what happens when the West Coast demands the Hollywood Tower Hotel in their parks. It's a Good Day (The Twilight Zone) How...

We're kicking off our Park Icons Mini-Series with the great Grizzly Peak in Disney's California Adventure. Together we'll discuss the lore and rich history of the peak and learn how it went from a tubular sports vibe to the serene National Park we know today.  Original California Adventure Promo on Toy Story 2 VHS Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore The Legend of Grizzly Peak According to legend, long ago...

In this episode, we dive into the history of Popcorn in Disney Parks. Paige has all the hot information on the 6,700+ year history of our favorite salty snack and Stephen is, for whatever reason, a Mickey Bar. Listen and you'll get it. Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – 60 Years of Popcorn The History of Popcorn: How One Grain Became a Staple Snack A Brief History Of Disney Popcorn Buckets Th...

In this episode, we continue our Podsnack Series about Mickey Waffles. Turns out, there is a whole lot more about these tasty snacks than you might think. Paige once again delivers hard-hitting questions and Stephen keeps up his momentum. We get real about our feelings on breakfast foods and Stephen admits he hasn't had Nutella. Mickey Waffle Loungefly Disney DCM-9 Mickey Mini Waffle Maker, Black...

In this episode, we discuss the history of the very famous Dole Whip. Paige dives into all the details of when Dole came to the parks and how its popularity has grown throughout the years. Thanks to our friends at Deep Cut Co for supporting the show. Get 10% off your first order with code TPA10. 

We are starting a brand new series all about Disney Snacks: Podcast Series . In this episode, we kick things off by talking about churros. Paige dives into their history and details about this beloved Disney treat. Plus, we get the scoop on why Disneyland churros taste better than Disney World churros.  One time Stephen ate 6 churros. The World of Disney Churros Delicious Disneyland Churros Meet t...

Welcome to the Parks Academy Podcast, where we explore all things theme parks and share our love for the magic of Disney. In today's episode, we are thrilled to have a very special guest, Bret Iwan, the voice of Mickey Mouse.  Bret Iwan has been the official voice of Mickey Mouse since 2009, following in the footsteps of legends like Walt Disney and Wayne Allwine. He has voiced Mickey in numerous...

In this episode, we talk about finding Disney on our most recent road trip. We discuss Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero and the insane costumes. Plus, $20 for a snow cone in an Olaf cup? Huh. We also found a Disney Outlet in Hershey, PA that completely owns. Stephen FINALLY got his Walt Disney Studios sweatshirt but at the expense of blowing up Paige's birthday surprise. Paige spends 10 minutes givin...

In this episode we discuss more this or that questions. Stephen makes does a terrible Chewbacca impression and, also, a terrible Josh Gadd impression. Paige reveals that Stephen didn't come up with all of these questions on his own. Whoops. Note: We said the newest Buzz Lightyear in DCA but meant Tomorrowland in Disneyland. That's on us. Thank you to everyone who voted for us during the @allaboard...

In this episode we get back to our old classics of a This or That style episode. Stephen, for whatever reason, breaks out in a 1929 Mickey Mouse impersonation from the Karnival Kid and Paige talks about losing an eye on Dueling Dragons. This is a fun one, folks. The Karnival Kid (1929) Vote for us in Round Two of @allaboardpocast the Disney Pod Battle III. Check out our awesome sponsors  

In this episode we interview the very talented Gabriel Vunda. His work as a Disney Animator can be seen everywhere from Hollywood to the Conservation Station in Disney's Animal Kingdom. We are so happy to welcome Gabriel to the fine episode of our Artist Series. Gabriel on Instagram Gvartz Merch Gabriel on YouTube Elsa Wearing a Pumba Cap... la la la

In this episode we interview the very talented Larissa Marantz. This is her first time at the Festival of the Arts and is new to the Disney art scene. We were so grateful to have the opportunity to interview Larissa and have her share her experiences with us. Larissa's Website OC Art Studios Instagram Larissa's Instagram All of Larissa's Links on Link Tree Thank you to our sponsor Deep Cut Co. Get...

In this episode we take a bit of a departure from our Artist Spotlight series to discuss our time at Disney100: The Exhibition at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Paige had the time of her life seeing a basketball from High School Musical and Stephen, apparently, cannot ever catch a break when it comes to buying shirts. Keep an eye out on our social media pages, we'll be sharing more photos...

In this episode we interview Kirsten Judkins. Kirsten is an art teacher, graphic designer and small shop owner focusing on mixing vintage and modern together to create products for all of us Disney adults. Kirsten's Website Save 10% with code theparksacademy Kirsten's Instagram Page Kirsten's Etsy Shop Children of the Nations Walk in the Light International Lizzo Truth Hurts - The Aristocats Thank...

Jason Ratner is a Graphic Artist based in Winter Garden, Florida. Originally from New York, Jason graduated with a Graphic Design and Communication Arts degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He grew up loving everything Disney and all types of art. Jason is currently a Senior Graphic Artist at Loungefly. He previously worked for Disney focusing on marketing and sales, and his artwork has freque...

In this episode we interview the very talented Jerrod Maruyama. Jerrod Maruyama is a freelance illustrator specializing in cute character designs and concepts. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world - including Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Warner Bros, Netflix, Facebook, Target and more. He’s been hired to bring his particular brand of cute to such global properties as Star Wars,...

We are kicking off our Disney Artist Spotlight series with Dom Corona. Dom is a Disney Artist who has been featured in Forbes Magazine, Disney Parks Blogs, and is currently at Festival of the Arts. He first learned to draw Donald Duck in 2008 which propelled him into life as a Disney Artist. He attended the Disney College Program and continues to create with Mickey Mouse as his main source of insp...

In this episode, we do another this or that all about Disney Parks. Paige comes to the realization that she could have been a Disney Princess and Stephen can't remember the word Poutine. Would you rather get a VIP experience in a park or at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank? Would you rather work at a churro stand or gate entrance? Would you rather play a costume character or a face character? Which...

In this episode we discuss all of the new things happening in and around Disney Parks. Stephen is pretty sure he saw Tron Legacy at least three times in theaters and Paige is on the hunt for a new Disney shirt. Maybe something Avatar? Jason Ratner Art Will Gay Art The PeopleMover Episode by Podcast: The Ride Ender's Game Film Universal Officially Reveals Plans for a New Theme Park — and It's Not i...

In this episode we discuss Magic Kingdom & Disneyland. After our last visit, we talk about some of the differences and things we prefer about each park. Stephen doesn't want to be a Disneyland purist and Paige remembers who Walt's brother's name is. 👏 Support us on Patreon 👕 The Parks Academy Merch Use code TPA20 for 20% OFF Keep Up With Us: Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok

In this episode we come back from our December hiatus. We discuss everything we're looking forward to in 2023 and what some of our upcoming plans will be for potential Disney trips. Disney100: The Exhibition in Philadelphia 👏 Support us on Patreon 👕 The Parks Academy Merch Use code TPA20 for 20% OFF Keep Up With Us: Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok

In this episode we dive into some things about visiting a Disney park that might make your trip unpleasant. These observations are based on our experiences and how Disney Park etiquette can sometimes be ignored. 👏 Support us on Patreon 👕 The Parks Academy Merch Use code TPA20 for 20% OFF Keep Up With Us: Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok

In this episode we talk about our recent experience at the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience . This is a nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ films. Explore after dark the sounds, lights, and special effects that bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life. Guests will also be able to enjoy...

In this episode we discuss what it's like going to Disney World with a baby. We talk everything from what kind of things you can do, where the baby care centers are, and what to do with there's a diaper emergency. 👏 Support us on Patreon 👕 The Parks Academy Merch Use code TPA20 for 20% OFF Keep Up With Us: Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok

In this episode we discuss our time at Epcot for Food & Wine Festival 2022 plus other things we loved. We finally got to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. We also ate far less than expected and had a magical experience on Remy's Ratatouille adventure. Thanks, Logan. 👏 Support us on Patreon 👕 The Parks Academy Merch Use code TPA20 for 20% OFF Keep Up With Us: Twitter Instagram Face...