AJ, Mike, and Chris go back to Disneyland in 1997 to explore the infamous, short-lived nighttime spectacular Light Magic, the ill-fated “spiritual successor” to the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade.
Opening on May 23, 1997, Light Magic promised guests a high-tech evolution of the classic parade. What they got instead was something… different.
Does Light Magic deserve its bad reputation, or was it simply a misunderstood experiment ahead of its time? We compare it to later nighttime “misses” like Rivers of Light and Harmonious. And of course, there’s talk of creepy pixie masks, Baroque Hoedown remixes, and how many cast members it really takes to sweep up confetti.
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Late Night Recording and World Series
01:10 Daylight Savings Debate
01:57 Light and Magic: The Ill-Fated Disneyland Spectacular
02:57 Main Street Electrical Parade History
06:21 The Rise and Fall of Light Magic
07:26 Technical Aspects and Challenges
20:03 Premiere and Public Reception
26:16 Legacy and Final Thoughts
31:47 Analyzing Light Magic's Shortcomings
31:58 Suggestions for Improving Light Magic
33:32 Comparing Disney's Nighttime Show Failures
34:43 Nostalgia and Nighttime Parades
38:40 Listener Emails and Comments
41:10 Disney Villains Themed Attractions
51:35 Favorite Disney Sequels and Halloween Movies
52:07 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
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In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris discuss what it really means to “plus” a Disney attraction — that time-honored Imagineering term for enhancing or improving an existing ride without completely replacing it.
Inspired by recent announcements about updates to attractions like Frozen Ever After and Ratatouille: The Adventure, the trio goes park by park through Walt Disney World to decide which attractions could use a little “plus” of their own — and which ones should be left alone.
Plus, the brothers read listener emails about Epic Universe tips, favorite Disney holiday traditions, and must-try dining picks for upcoming trips.
00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:30 Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland Updates
05:45 Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland Enhancements
08:18 Magic Kingdom: Liberty Square and Frontierland
10:51 Magic Kingdom: Adventureland Improvements
12:34 Epcot: Future World and World Showcase
23:07 Hollywood Studios: Sunset Boulevard and Toy Story Land
26:24 Thought Experiment: Original Trilogy Ride
27:21 Maintaining and Fixing Disneyland Attractions
27:42 Future of Star Tours
29:03 Indiana Jones and Other Attractions
30:07 Animal Kingdom Updates
34:15 Avatar and Pandora Attractions
38:48 Epic Universe and Hotel Recommendations
44:10 Holiday Traditions at Disney
45:59 Dining Recommendations for Anniversary Trip
49:01 Cedar Point and Knottsberry Farm
52:14 Upcoming Episode and Conclusion
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Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we dive into the history of Festival of the Lion King, one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved stage shows. Opening alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, the show was originally designed as a quick, temporary solution, but it grew into a fan-favorite production that’s still running today.
We explore the fascinating journey of the show, including:
Join us as we celebrate the story of a show that was meant to be temporary but became an Animal Kingdom icon.
00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney
01:12 Festival of the Lion King Introduction
01:33 Disney in the 90s Recap
01:58 Animal Kingdom's Opening Day
04:29 Beastly Kingdomme and Budget Cuts
06:56 Camp Minnie-Mickey: A Temporary Solution
09:05 Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends Show
11:00 Lion King Celebration Parade at Disneyland
14:21 Creating Festival of the Lion King
17:47 The Show's Key Performers and Acts
32:59 Voice Actors
33:40 Theater Upgrades and Popularity
34:38 Timon's Articulated Head and Other Upgrades
35:55 Pandora and the New Harambe Theater
38:37 COVID-19 Impact and Show Modifications
41:59 Full Return of the Festival of the Lion King
43:45 Hong Kong's Festival of the Lion King
45:27 Disney Stage Shows and Personal Experiences
52:08 Listener Emails and Comments
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Email: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com
In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, the Minotti decide the top 5 picks for the best live shows in the history of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
From Broadway-style musicals to stunt spectaculars, atmospheric streetmosphere acts, and fan-favorite singalongs, we cover the entire run of Hollywood Studios’ entertainment offerings—past and present. Which ones made us laugh? Which ones made us cry? Which ones starred us?
Expect arguments. Expect nostalgia. Expect Muppets.
What’s your favorite show in the Studios? Let us know!
00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
01:27 Top 5 Live Shows at Disney Hollywood Studios
02:32 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
03:10 Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
06:40 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Show
08:49 Voyage of The Little Mermaid
10:27 Here Come The Muppets
13:32 Ace Ventura and Other Oddities
16:51 Superstar Television Memories
20:43 Doug Live and Other Shows
30:06 Fantasmic!
32:06 Dick Tracy Diamond Double Cross
34:22 Hollywood's Pretty Woman and Other Shows
34:35 Discussing Lightning McQueen and the New Villain Show
34:50 The Villain Show Experience
36:55 Ranking Disney Shows
38:57 Debating the Best Disney Shows
42:09 Listener Comments and Emails
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It belongs in a museum… or maybe just the theme park stage! This week on 90s Disney, we’re cracking the whip and diving into the boulder-sized legacy of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney-MGM Studios.
We explore the origins of this groundbreaking live-action stunt show, its connections to the opening of Disney’s third park in 1989, and the impact of Indy mania on everything from casting to explosions to theme park lore. From its high-flying choreography to its crowd-pleasing humor and behind-the-scenes gags, the Epic Stunt Spectacular has earned its place in the Hall of Theme Park Legends.
We also talk about the real stunt work, rotating casts, audience volunteers, fire effects, and why this show remains one of the longest-running stage productions in theme park history, even as the rest of the park has changed around it.
Plus, we share our own memories of seeing the show as kids and reflect on why the Epic Stunt Spectacular still holds up (even if the fedora is a little dusty).\
00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney
01:26 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
03:00 Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Stunt Show
06:28 Key Figures in the Stunt Show's Creation
23:12 The Show's Evolution and Audience Participation
36:58 The Stunt Sequence Breakdown
37:11 Behind the Scenes: Truck Stunt
38:29 Audience Interaction and Gags
41:07 The Airfield Finale
45:24 The Gift Shop Experience
50:56 Changes Over the Years
53:02 Audience Participation and Legal Changes
57:42 Indiana Jones in Pop Culture
01:02:32 Comparing Stunt Shows
01:05:43 Listener Emails and Q&A
01:10:58 Taking Disney Advice to Heart
01:11:42 Kingdom Hearts and 90s Disney Properties
01:14:46 The Savi's Experience at Galaxy's Edge
01:17:05 Face Characters and Disney Roles
01:24:40 Disney Park Traditions and First Day Plans
01:32:42 Favorite Coasters and Sicko Moments
01:39:48 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes
References & Further Reading:
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Welcome to the great Moderate Resort Showdown! In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, AJ, Mike, and Chris debate and discuss the best—and maybe not-so-best—of Walt Disney World’s Moderate resort hotels.
We cover each resort in the category: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Along the way, we talk themes, dining, transportation, pool vibes, price, and more—then we each rank our favorites.
What makes a Moderate feel “just right”? Is the Skyliner a game-changer? Does a certain sweet treat tip the scale?
Resorts Discussed:
Whether you're planning your next stay or just like a good resort debate, this one’s for you.
00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
01:26 Ranking Disney's Moderate Resorts
01:53 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Experiences
03:03 Deep Dive into Disney's Moderate Resorts
07:04 Caribbean Beach Resort Review
15:29 Coronado Springs Resort Review
20:36 Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review
25:42 Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review
32:05 Discussing Unique Entertainment Options
32:34 Pool Preferences and Comparisons
32:53 Transportation and Location Insights
33:50 Theming and Immersive Experiences
35:08 Room Layouts and Family Accommodations
36:25 Ranking the Resorts
45:49 Listener Questions and Recommendations
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In this episode of 90s Disney, join hosts AJ, Mike, and Chris as they take you on a journey through a summer cocktail adventure, Disney style! The episode kicks off with the trio preparing for a fun-filled night of cocktail-making while reminiscing about their past Disney experiences. Each host introduces and makes a unique Disney-themed cocktail. This third annual summer cocktail episode promises new drink ideas, fun banter, and a dash of nostalgia for Disney fans. Be sure to try these amazing cocktails yourself and share your results with us!
00:00 Disclaimer
01:05 Introduction to the Podcast
02:04 Summer Cocktail Episode Begins
02:45 First Cocktail
03:15 Mixing and Tasting the Cocktail
03:57 Discussion on Cocktail Ingredients and Techniques
05:37 Memorable Drinking Experiences
21:49 Preparing the Next Cocktail
33:29 The Cranberry Juice Experience
34:00 Holiday Cocktails and Memories
35:42 Bartending Stories and Lounge Experiences
36:48 Exploring Unique Drink Recipes
39:33 Disney Lounge Favorites
40:46 Cocktail Ingredients and Techniques
43:32 Theme Park Drink Adventures
54:36 Memorable Dining Experiences
01:04:20 Frozen Mojito and Sam Adams Pitchers
01:04:50 Tom Hanks' Champagne and Diet Coke Mix
01:05:16 Cleaning Glasses and Special Ingredients
01:06:20 Listener Submitted Cocktail
01:06:43 Steakhouse 71 and Disney Bourbon
01:07:23 Vermouth and Campari Discussion
01:19:09 Ranking the Drinks
01:20:58 Favorite Theme Park Cocktails
01:36:19 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes
Sometimes you don’t have time for a sit-down meal in the parks, and honestly, sometimes you just want a really good cheeseburger. In this bonus episode of 90s Disney, the Minotti brothers share their favorite quick service meals from across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando!
From mobile order go-tos and cult-favorite entrees to hidden gems and legendary snacks, we’re serving up personal picks, strong opinions, and plenty of theme park food nostalgia.
Share your go-to quick service meal with us!
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
01:13 Mike's Disney World Trip and Test Track 3.0 Preview
01:23 Favorite Quick Service Restaurants
01:41 Test Track 3.0 Experience
06:44 Magic Kingdom Highlights
08:32 Hollywood Studios and New Shows
11:54 Dining at the Mexico Pavilion
14:39 Universal Studios Adventures
17:22 Magic Kingdom Quick Service Debate
26:54 Epcot Quick Service Memories
28:57 Memories of the Land Pavilion
30:00 Epcot's Culinary Delights
36:17 Hollywood Studios Quick Service Options
44:27 Animal Kingdom's Best Eats
50:31 Resort and Disney Springs Dining
53:37 Local Barbecue and Earl Sandwich Memories
54:16 Quick Service Options at Disney Springs
55:50 Universal Studios Dining Highlights
01:00:23 Epic Universe Dining Experiences
01:06:39 Listener Emails and Comments
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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 the way, we look at the film’s memorable songs by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Hans Zimmer’s rousing score, and the challenges of filming on a full-size gimbaled ship set without sending the entire cast to the sick bay.
We also share our memories of the movie’s 90s marketing, its reception, and why it remains such a fun retelling of a literary classic.
00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney Podcast
01:35 Introduction to Muppet Treasure Island
02:10 Muppet Treasure Island Release and Reception
04:14 Casting and Character Insights
11:43 Behind the Scenes and Production Details
28:17 Music and Score of Muppet Treasure Island
32:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections
32:31 Nostalgic Memories of Watching Movies in Theaters
33:25 Ranking the Muppet Movies
35:23 Imagining New Muppet Movie Adaptations
38:16 Comedic Highlights and Memorable Scenes
46:18 Behind the Scenes and Fun Trivia
51:04 Legacy and Reception of Muppet Treasure Island
55:24 Listener Feedback and Final Thoughts
Links & References:
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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 conversation full of laughs, surprises, and maybe even a few opinions you’ll disagree with.
00:00 Introduction
02:40 Favorite Theme Park Lines
05:09 Star Tours and Interactive Queues
09:21 Indiana Jones Adventure and Test Track
12:29 Avatar Flight of Passage and Space Mountain
17:59 Universal Studios and ET Adventure
19:58 Tower of Terror and Muppet Vision 3D
30:20 Dinosaur and Haunted Mansion
33:44 Disneyland's Seasonal Magic
33:59 The Best Outdoor Queues
35:12 Nostalgia for Body Wars
36:18 Universal's Unique Queues
36:47 Disney World's Hidden Gems
39:53 Mario Kart and More at Epic Universe
44:35 Classic Disney MGM Studios
49:15 Universal's Kongfrontation and More
49:58 Harry Potter's Immersive Experiences
59:33 Final Thoughts and ListenerComments
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Email us at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com with your own favorite queue lines!
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:
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
01:16 Podcast Milestones and Listener Appreciation
02:35 The Adventurous Club and Society of Explorers and Adventurers
02:44 Old Kungaloosh Cocktail Recipe
03:46 Disney in the Late 80s and Early 90s
04:29 Pleasure Island and Adventurous Club Overview
05:14 Inside the Adventurous Club
16:58 Characters of the Adventurous Club
22:32 Rooms and Shows of the Adventurous Club
30:09 Closure and Legacy of the Adventurous Club
32:39 The Decline of Disney's Adventurers Club
34:19 The Emotional Farewell of the Adventurers Club
35:49 The Birth of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.)
37:42 S.E.A. Expands Across Disney Parks
39:16 S.E.A.'s Influence in Disney Attractions and Media
47:44 The Future of S.E.A. in Disney Media
52:41 Personal Memories and Reflections
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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 Impressions
03:01 Swan Hotel Experience
06:42 Epcot Adventures
12:36 Magic Kingdom Day
21:17 Animal Kingdom Day
30:50 Nostalgia for Dino Land
31:02 Harrison's First Rollercoaster
31:50 Waiting in Line for Flight of Passage
33:29 Dinner at Sana
34:57 Breakfast at 1900 Park Fair
40:31 Bippity Boppity Boutique Experience
44:52 Late Night at Magic Kingdom
53:49 Building Lightsabers at Galaxy's Edge
59:53 Farewell to Muppet Courtyard
01:02:39 Galaxy's Edge Adventures
01:02:52 Blue Milk Misadventures
01:03:08 Rise of the Resistance
01:04:08 Tower of Terror Thrills
01:05:03 A Much-Needed Break
01:06:00 Family Fun Continues
01:16:31 Evening at Disney Springs
01:18:40 Epcot Day Highlights
01:34:04 Reflecting on the New Park Areas
01:34:31 A Day of Rides and Encounters
01:35:11 Exploring the World Showcase
01:38:14 Epic Universe Preview Day
01:38:56 Navigating Super Nintendo World
01:41:49 Lunch at Toadstool Cafe
01:47:34 Donkey Kong Country Adventures
01:51:31 How to Train Your Dragon
01:57:12 Dark Universe and Monsters Unchained
02:01:42 Ministry of Magic and Final Thoughts
02:04:24 Recency Bias and Ride Comparisons
02:05:18 Pro Tips for Visiting Epic
02:05:37 Navigating the Park with Kids
02:07:20 Evening Adventures and Dining
02:11:16 Reflecting on the Park Experience
02:13:33 Final Day and Special Moments
02:22:06 Q&A Session
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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 the Disney calendar, filled hotel rooms in the off-season, and inspired thousands of costumed runners to race for the medals, the memories—and the merch.
Plus, we hear all about Chris’s firsthand experience running the Star Wars Half Marathon, complete with 4 AM start times, stormtrooper photo ops, and the joys and hazards of a 13.1-mile journey through Disney property. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a seasoned churro fan, this episode is your victory lap.
Topics Covered
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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.
Is it the immersive theming? The snacks? The rides? The bathrooms? It’s all fair game.
Expect laughter, passionate debates, sibling rivalry, and maybe a few theme park truths you weren’t ready to hear.
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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 rebranded itself as a family destination in the ’90s, the abandoned dream of a full-size Enterprise downtown, and the Hilton’s transformation into a Trekker’s paradise. Relive iconic moments from Klingon Encounter, brave the Borg Invasion 4D, and explore everything from the gift shops and museum to the walkaround characters and their surprisingly deep lore.
Plus, what killed this incredible attraction just before Trek’s 2009 comeback? And how did it influence the next generation of theme park storytelling?
Things We Talked About
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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 Ministry of Magic. From groundbreaking ride technology to next-level theming and food, this episode is packed with early insights into the biggest new theme park in decades!
Topics Discussed
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Have you been keeping up with Epic Universe? What are you most excited for? Let us know by leaving a comment on Spotify or emailing us at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com.
Thanks for listening! See you next time on 90s Disney!
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:
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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
Big thanks to Manny for inspiring this episode! Let us know how you would rank the World Showcase pavilions. Send us an email or drop a comment on Blue Sky!
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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:
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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.