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's unforgettable Long John Silver performance (and laugh) practically made him a human Muppet. Along...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 happy to wait. From haunted mansions to enchanted forests to prehistoric jungles, queue up with us for a convers...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 made the Club’s interactive shows, rooms, and animatronic moments so beloved and unforgettable The fa...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris in this special bonus episode as they recount their recent adventures at Disney World and the unforgettable Epic Universe preview weekend. From thrilling rides to nostalgic moments, hear all about their experiences, favorite eats, and a surprising business announcement for Mike. Perfect for Disney enthusiasts and theme park lovers looking to live vicariously through their magical journey! 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 01:14 Disney World Trip Overview 01:55 Buc-ee’s First ...
May 20, 2025•2 hr 35 min•Season 6Ep. 12
On your marks, get set, go! In this episode of 90s Disney , AJ, Mike, and Chris are racing through the magical history of runDisney, Disney’s official long-distance running series. Chris takes the lead with a look back at how Disney’s first road races began in the 1980s with "Jog with Jiminy," evolved into the Disney Endurance Series, and finally transformed into the runDisney events we know today. From humble beginnings to marathons through the theme parks, we explore how these events reshaped ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , we’re going where no ranking has gone before—across the lands of both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure! Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they each bring their personal preferences, hot takes, and maybe a little bit of theme park chaos to the table. From nostalgia-soaked walkways to lands that are just “fine,” it’s time to figure out which parts of the Disneyland Resort reign supreme. One land must stand at the top… but getting there won’t be easy. ...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 6Ep. 11
It’s Star Trek like you’ve never experienced it before… unless you were lucky enough to visit the Las Vegas Hilton in the late ’90s and early 2000s! This week, AJ, Mike, and Chris beam aboard Star Trek: The Experience , a one-of-a-kind immersive attraction that brought fans into the final frontier in the most Vegas way possible. From Klingon kidnappings to Quark’s Bar and even weddings on the bridge of the Enterprise, this was no ordinary theme park experience. We dive into how Las Vegas rebrand...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 6Ep. 11
It's time for an extra special bonus episode of 90s Disney! This time, we're heading to Universal as Mike gets an exclusive first look at Universal Epic Universe ! Thanks to a friend, Mike got to attend an employee preview of the highly anticipated new theme park, months before its grand opening. Mike walks AJ and Chris through the entire park, discussing his spoiler-free first impressions of Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Mi...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 6Ep. 10
All aboard! This week, we set sail on a deep dive into the history of the Disney Cruise Line . From its origins with the Big Red Boat to the launch of the Disney Magic in 1998, we explore how Disney transformed the cruise industry into a floating theme park experience. In This Episode: The fan-requested topic that led us to cover Disney Cruise Line history What pop culture looked like on July 30, 1998 – the launch date of the Disney Magic The evolution of Disney’s cruise offerings from the Big R...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Welcome to a special bonus episode of 90s Disney ! Inspired by an email from listener Manny, we embark on the ultimate challenge: ranking all the pavilions in EPCOT's World Showcase. Which country reigns supreme, and which one needs a little extra magic? From drinking strategies to pavilion expansions, we debate it all! Topics Covered Preferred routes for drinking around the world (Mexico vs. Canada vs. International Gateway) Ranking all 11 pavilions in the World Showcase Which pavilions need an...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Welcome, explorers! This time on 90s Disney , we’re stepping into the jungle and exploring the history of Rainforest Cafe . From its ambitious start in the '90s as an immersive dining experience to its expansion across Disney properties and beyond, we break down how this animatronic-filled restaurant became a staple of themed dining! In This Episode: The origins of Rainforest Cafe and its quirky, ambitious founder. How Disney got involved and why the restaurant ended up in multiple theme parks. ...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In this special bonus episode, we take a musical journey through some of the most iconic and beloved songs from Disney attractions. Join us as we revisit the soundtracks that made our favorite rides unforgettable and discuss how these tunes elevate the park-going experience. Whether you’re humming along to One Little Spark or grooving to Nothing Can Stop Us Now , this episode will strike a nostalgic chord for any Disney fan.
Jan 17, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Grab your hard hards and safety goggles. We've got some wrecking to do! In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and somewhat tragic story of Disney's Horizons. This groundbreaking EPCOT attraction captured imaginations with its vision of the future but eventually faded into history. We explore its conception, its importance in the broader context of Disney history, and its enduring legacy among Disney fans. Get ready for nostalgia, intrigue, and a deeper understanding of a beloved Disney ...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , we sit down with our longtime friend Jeff Grubb to hear all about his recent family trip to Walt Disney World! Jeff takes us through the highlights, surprises, and challenges of visiting the parks with his wife and two young daughters. From character dining and iconic rides to Genie+ successes and park navigation adventures, this episode is packed with insights and laughs. What We Cover: Jeff's history with Disney Parks. First-time family experiences at Anim...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Ho ho ho, all you rad dudes and dudettes! Christmas is here on 90s Disney ! Join AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti as they unwrap the often-overlooked holiday treasure, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. From festive fun to Forte's chilling villainy, we dive into the magic, the music, and the madness of this direct-to-video Disney sequel. Whether you're nostalgic for your VHS collection or curious about forgotten Disney Christmas lore, this is the episode for you! In This Episode: 🎥 The E...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris in a special bonus episode of 90s Disney as they dive into their favorite individual moments from Disney and Universal attractions. They discuss standout scenes, thrilling rides, and iconic animatronics, from the Wicked Witch of the West in the Great Movie Ride to the launch of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Plus, they share tips for balancing adult and kids' desires on a Disney trip. Don't miss this nostalgic and insightful conversation about the wow factors in your favor...
Nov 19, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris, as we discuss Disney's ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom. Learn about the attraction's history, including its terrifying effects and controversial nature, and how it was eventually retooled and replaced by Stitch's Great Escape. We highlight the initial endeavor to incorporate the Alien franchise, the involvement of key figures like Michael Eisner and George Lucas, its integration into the 1994 Tomorrowland overhaul, and the development challenges. The...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Join AJ, Chris, and Mike as we rank all of the currently open attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Did we snub your favorite? Do we overrate anything? Should Mike just get over it and ride Tower of Terror? Find out! 00:00 Introduction and Banter 00:30 Ranking Disney's Hollywood Studios Attractions 03:33 Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Review 06:43 Star Tours: The Adventure Continues 11:10 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular 14:33 Frozen Sing-Along Celebration 16:58 Muppet Vision 3D 20...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode of the '90s Disney podcast,' hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti dive into the nostalgic animated film 'The Rescuers Down Under,' discussing its production history, voice cast, and digital animation. They examine how its release coincided with 'Home Alone,' affecting its box office performance. The hosts also review various Disney attractions, debate the appeal of trackless rides, share a fan's experiences at Shanghai Disneyland, and reminisce about Halloween costumes and themed mo...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 5
AJ, Mike, and Chris share their most memorable dining experiences in Disney parks and beyond. From high-end meals at Victoria & Albert's and California Grill to surprise delights at Nomad Lounge and Morimoto Asia, the episode dives into a variety of unique dishes and the exceptional service they've encountered over the years. The brothers reminisce about standout moments like the personalized touches at Victoria & Albert's, the incredible bread service at Sanaa, and the nostalgic experie...
Sep 17, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they host a nostalgic backyard cocktail party, crafting unique Disney-inspired cocktails: The Shipwreck, The Monorail Yellow, The Pineapple Mule, and the Blackberry Moonshine Sour. They share travel experiences, Disney trip memories, and delve into the history and preparation of each cocktail. The episode touches on the evolution of Disney's cocktail offerings, exclusive ingredient finds, and memorable bar experiences in Disney theme parks. They also recount dining ad...
Sep 01, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they dive into major announcements from the recent D23 Disney conference, covering exciting new attractions like an Avatar-themed land at Disneyland and a Villains Land at Magic Kingdom along with controversies surrounding the fate of Frontierlan, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America for Cars. And where is the new Monsters Inc. land going?! Is Muppet Vision 3D safe?! We also share insights from AJ's latest Disneyland trip, including experiences at Avengers Cam...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they explore the radical history and attractions of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Discover the innovations behind the famous wave pool, the tropical theming, and thrilling water slides like Humunga Kowabunga and Miss Adventure Falls. Learn about iconic features such as Mount Mayday with its erupting geyser and the relaxing Castaway Creek. Filled with nostalgic memories, fun trivia, and listener emails, this episode captures the essence of one of Disney World’s cherished wa...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 3
AJ, Mike, and Chris talk about their favorite ways to get from A to B at our favorite theme parks. Hop on board!
Jul 18, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Early Monorail History Monorails, meaning single track railways, date back to 1820 with Ivan Elmanov's prototype in Russia. Henry Robinson Palmer, an English civil engineer, patented the first monorail in 1821, featuring a single rail supported above ground. General Roy Stone designed the first steam-driven monorail, showcased at the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition. ALWEG Monorail The ALWEG Monorail, designed by Dr. Axel Lennart Wenner-Gren, emerged in 1952, with improvements in 1957 th...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 6Ep. 2
AJ, Mike, and Chris rank every Disneyland ride. Where does your favorite land? What did we get wrong? Do you agree with our top (and bottom) picks?
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 1
AJ, Mike, and Chris Invite you to explore the history of mini golf at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re looking to casually putt the greens of Fantasia Gardens or enjoy a vacation to Winter Summerland, just pick your golf ball color and join us for 18 holes of fun! History of Mini Golf Golf originated in 15th century Scotland. Early 20th-century mini golf courses included Thistle Dhu (1916) and Tom Thumb (1927). The game became widely accessible thanks to Thomas McCullough Fairbairn's artificial...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 1
AJ, Mike, and Chris invite you to come along for some retail therapy as we talk about our favorite shops, stores, and caramel counters across Walt Disney World.
May 15, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 5Ep. 12
AJ, Mike, and Chris travel back to 1994 when Professor Wayne Szalinski had to admit to his wife, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!" Join us as we explore the birth of the Imagination Institute and Eric Idle's portrait of Dr. Nigel Channing. We explore insights into the complex effects of this 4D film from its director, Radal Kleiser, and describe how each of the ground breaking in-theater effects were achieved. So grab your safety googles, pick your feet up off the ground, and watch out for Gigabyt...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 5Ep. 12
AJ, Mike, and Chris create the definitive ranking of (almost) every attraction at Universal Studios Orland and Universal Islands of Adventure. We even brought back some of the attractions that aren't there anymore. Where did your favorite attraction land? What's our favorite? And more importantly, which attraction is the worst?
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 11
