90s Disney is a podcast covering everything about the Mouse House's raddest decade. Each episode goes in depth on a single 90s Disney topic, be it from the parks, movies, video games, or whatever! Follow us on BlueSky @90sDisney.com Follow us on Twitter @90sDisneyPod! Follow us on Threads and Instagram @90sDisneyPodcast Like us on Facebook!
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Chris takes the driver's wheel as he recounts his family's most recent road trip to Texas which included stops at three different theme parks! Their first stop was at King's Island in Cincinnati, OH. After years of waiting, Chris and his son finally got to tame the legendary wooden roller coaster, The Best. Once in Texas, Chris tells us about their experience at the newly opened Universal Kids…
Get ready for a real slobber knocker as we throw down to list the top 20 things at Epcot. Between top tier attractions, fine shops, and exquisite dining, Epcot has a lot to offer. Find out if your favorite thing made the list! 01:36 Rules and Format 02:27 Test Track 3.0 Glow Up 04:05 Spaceship Earth Debate 05:31 Garden Grill Favorite Meal 09:01 Dreamlights Night Show 11:16 Club Cool Tasting Stop…
AJ, Mike, and Chris travel back to the golden age of the dinosaurs. That is, the animatronic ones design by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. That's right, we delving into the history and creation of the hit ABC family sitcom Dinosaurs. We explore the show's origins as a feature film idea from Jim Henson himself into a biting satirical sitcom that tackled ideas like warfare, drug use, and corporate…
We decided to try a near impossible task. We rank the top 20 things at Disneyland park. We consider rides, food, places, and more. Tough decisions are made, battles are fought and won, and tears are shed. Let us know if we got it right or missed your favorite. 00:00 Bonus Episode Kickoff 01:08 Top 20 Disneyland Rules 02:06 Mark Twain Riverboat Love 03:09 Main Street Corn Dog Debate 05:10 Indiana…
AJ, Mike, and Chris take a trip down to Disney's BoardWalk. Join us as we explore its earliest origins as an expansion to DVC, a standalone entertainment district, and even a mini amusement park. We talk about the changes over the years, and our own trips and memories. 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:17 Mission Space Debate 01:49 Ranking The Simulator 02:26 Guardians Versus Orange 03:01 BoardWalk Resort…
What can be more fun than getting into a box and shaking around while watching a movie screen? We're ranking every simulator attraction at the US based Disney and Universal parks. Find out where your favorite ranks! 00:00 Intro 01:44 Rules and Park Plan 02:28 Epcot Body Wars 04:16 Soarin Counts as Simulator 05:52 Soarin Versions Ranked 08:01 Journey to Jerusalem Deep Cut 09:19 What Counts as…
Lightspeed for the Moon of Endor as AJ, Mike, and Chris welcome you aboard Star Tours! This classic Disney attraction brought George Lucas's Star Wars universe to the Disney parks around the world in a big way, and its legacy continues today. Learn how motion simulators were first planned for Disneyland, the initial ideas for Star Wars attractions, and how this journey continues today. 00:00 May…
AJ is joined by Jeff Blyth, the director of The Timekeeper! Jeff discusses his early film career working as a helicopter cinematographer, his first time working with Circle-Vision, and the development of The Timekeeper. We debunk a long standing myth, uncover previously unknown details about the cast, and learn more about the challenges of filming in 360 degrees. You won't want to miss this! 00:00…
Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as we travel back in time to 1994 to visit the Timekeeper. This beloved Circle-Vision 360 attraction revolutionized the format with innovative film techniques, special in-theater effects, and elaborate audio-animatronics. With memorable performances from the likes of Robin Williams and Jeremy Irons, this global attraction delighted guests in France, Florida, and Tokyo.…
For this bonus episode of 90s Disney, we rank theme park weenies! From castles to golf balls and ski jumps, we decide which park icons look the best. 00:00 Intro 00:32 What Is a Park Weenie 01:48 Cinderella Castle 04:04 Spaceship Earth 07:06 Animal Kingdom Tree of Life 09:55 Other Animal Kingdom Weenies 11:54 Hollywood Studios Weenie Fight 16:14 Disney World Rankings Recap 16:45 Water Parks Icons…
AJ, Mike, and Chris Minotti celebrate Cinderella Castle's return to its classic grey and blue color scheme by exploring the history of the 25th Anniversary Cinderella Castle Cake. We reveal the creators behind this architectural confection, the surprising building materials utilized, and the one brand name of candy that was allowed to be included. While it was polarizing during its 15 month run,…
AJ, Mike, and Chris are here to discuss AJ's recent three day trip to Walt Disney World with our dad! In 72 hours, we hit all four parks, and thanks to minimal sleep, we did a lot! Check out AJ's opinions on some newer attractions he got to experience for the first time including Tron Lightcycle/Run, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and Test Track 3.0. Hear his thoughts on some excellent meals and drinks…
AJ, Mike, and Chris play a diabolical game. Starting in Walt Disney World then moving to Universal Orlando, we are only allowed to save one ride, one show, one shop, one quick service, and one table service restaurant at each park. Will your favorite make the cut? Did we forget something? Give us your picks! 0:00 Introduction and Game Setup 01:20 Magic Kingdom 15:04 Epcot 22:00 Hollywood Studios…
In this episode of 90s Disney , we kick off a new tradition by hopping back exactly 30 years to explore what Walt Disney World was like in 1996. We talk about what was new, what was changing, and what was on the horizon, as Walt Disney World continued to grow into a true multi-day destination. From evolving attractions and live entertainment to shifting priorities across the resort, 1996 captures…
It’s a very special holiday episode of 90s Disney as we celebrate both the Christmas season and Mikey’s birthday with a full Walt Disney World trip report! Join AJ, Mike, and Chris as they unwrap a whirlwind week of festive experiences across the parks and resorts. Mike kicks off the trip at the brand-new Polynesian tower, a first look inside the Pirates of the Caribbean–themed lounge, Beak &…
In this bonus episode of 90s Disney , AJ, Mike, and Chris take on a challenge no one asked for but every Disney fan will have an opinion about: ranking every Walt Disney World Resort lobby! From the opulent grandeur of the Grand Floridian to the cozy, cabin comfort of Wilderness Lodge, the brothers go resort by resort, debating atmosphere, theming, nostalgia, smells (yes, the smells), and those…
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…
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…
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: The…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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.…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
AJ, Mike, and Chris talk about their favorite ways to get from A to B at our favorite theme parks. Hop on board!
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…
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?
