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Distory with Kate & Kirk
Distory with Kate & Kirk
Author: Kate (Disney Cicerone) & Kirk (Walrus Carp)
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© Kate (Disney Cicerone) & Kirk (Walrus Carp)
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Exploring the history of the Disney Parks (with a dash of the ridiculous!), Distory with Kate and Kirk is an adventure into the fascinatingly obscure details that have made the Disney parks what they are today.
203 Episodes
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It’s one of the most breathtaking and iconic scenes of any Disney attraction. But how did the Imagineers ACTUALLY come up with the idea for bombarding the fort in Pirates of the Caribbean? In this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we buckle our swashes and explore the history, design, technology, and possible inspirations behind Disneyland’s famous Bombarding the Fort scene.We’ll trace the battle from early Marc Davis, Claude Coats, Bruce Bushman, and Colin Campbell artwork through models, construction photographs, rare footage, and the finished 1967 attraction. Along the way, we’ll investigate a fascinating possible connection to a 1935 film and how it may have inspired the Imagineers to create this scene.Then we’re climbing aboard the Wicked Wench to uncover the history of the legendary pirate ship, and what it was called before the attraction opened. As we pillage and plunder our way through this Pirate scene, we also investigate a mysterious coat of arms, meet the original Blackbeard-inspired pirate captain, explore pirate codes and superstitions, and look at how Captain Barbossa eventually took command of the Wicked Wench.Across the harbor, we’ll examine Puerto Dorado, the soldiers defending it, and some Imagineering effects that make the entire battle come alive. So climb aboard as we duck under flying cannonballs and uncover the obscure history hiding inside this incredible scene in Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean.Resource links:Kate's books & Substackhttps://disneycicerone.com/WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merchhttps://walruscarp.com/MOWD apphttps://mowd.io/Wayback WED Disney History Fan Eventhttps://waybackwed.com/Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Distory T-shirts and StickersKate’s Substack
Do we actually travel back in time on Pirates of the Caribbean?Tonight on Distory Nite Shift, Kate and Joshua head back to Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean to investigate the Captain and Crew’s Quarters, search for more possible real pirates hiding in the attraction, and follow a few very Disney history rabbit trails along the way.After recently uncovering evidence that some real-life pirates may be represented among the pirates of Dead Man’s Cove, we’re asking an even bigger question: Did Marc Davis really abandon his historical research, or could there be more real pirates hiding throughout the attraction?We’ll also share the surprisingly poignant story behind the Pirates parrot created while Walt Disney was ill, then leave the Caribbean entirely to explore some of the fascinating fictional maps hidden throughout Disney attractions, from Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure to DisneySea, Pandora, Mission: SPACE and more.After that, we debate one of our favorite Pirates questions:Do we actually travel back in time?So clock in for another Distory Nite Shift as we chase some rabbit trails and try to untangle some of the Disney stories that may or may not have historical evidence backing them up. Resources referenced in this episode:United Tech Prologuehttps://www.epcotlegacy.com/history/ut-seasprologueKate's books & Substackhttps://disneycicerone.com/Wayback WED Disney History Fan Eventhttps://waybackwed.com/E82 Living Seas Merch https://epcotlegacy-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/sea-life--Distory Nite Shift is a newer addition to the Distory Podcast! 🌙 Nite Shift is a conversation between two Disney historians who have a combined 55 years of Disney history knowledge. The “after-show” of Distory with Kate & Kirk, this late-night conversation for Disney history lovers is hosted by Kate the Disney Cicerone, and Joshua of E82 | The Epcot Legacy.Distory Nite Shift is broadcast every other week, opposite of Distory with Kate & Kirk. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week for Distory! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter X, and also at disneycicerone.com & epcotlegacy.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Joshua’s resources:E82 | The Epcot LegacyJLH OmniMediaKate’s resources:Kate’s BooksKate’s SubstackShow MerchDistory T-shirts and StickersKirk’s appMOWD app
The REAL treasures in Pirates of the Caribbean’s treasure cache are easy to miss… unless you know where to look.On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we continue our journey through Pirates of the Caribbean by digging into the history, details, and changing story of the attraction’s legendary treasure room. Starting with a 1963 continuity script as well as early Marc Davis concepts, we uncover a version of the scene featuring chained alligators and an enterprising pirate salesman, plus deleted Paul Frees narration warning guests that the glittering hoard might not be quite as harmless as it appears.As we sift through the treasure itself, we examine real antiques, weapons, and religious objects, hundreds of thousands of coins, hidden Imagineer details, props rescued from the original attraction, and even a few objects that probably make considerably less historical sense than Imagineering intended. We’ll also explore additions from the Pirates of the Caribbean films and some former hidden surprises you can’t actually see in this space anymore.Along the way, we look at how the room has changed and become surprisingly less valuable over the decades, and discuss the unexpected return of a familiar Redhead portrait during D23 weekend in 2026.Finally, we follow the cursed treasure into the transition tunnel and ask one of the bigger questions of the entire attraction: What story is Pirates of the Caribbean actually telling? Grab your treasure map and join us as we dig through nearly 60 years of Imagineering history hidden inside one of the richest scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean.Resource links:Wayback WED Disney History Fan Eventhttps://waybackwed.com/Kate's books & Substackhttps://disneycicerone.com/WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merchhttps://walruscarp.com/MOWD apphttps://mowd.io/Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate’s BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate’s Substack
D23 looks a little different when you’re a Disney historian.On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, Kate and Joshua take you on a historian’s walking tour through D23 2026, sharing the rare artifacts, hidden details, incredible stories, and historical moments that made their historian hearts happy. From Walt Disney’s homes and Carolwood Pacific Railroad to Haunted Mansion history, forgotten edutainment, rare Archives finds, and firsthand memories of Walt, we’re exploring some of the corners of D23 you may have missed.Along the way, we hear stories from Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Bob Gurr, explore Imagineer Tania Norris’s memories of creating the Haunted Mansion wallpaper, tour the homes Walt built, and hear Joe Rohde discuss creativity, leadership, and the Imagineering culture fostered by Marty Sklar. We also uncover treasures from the Walt Disney Archives, revisit pieces of Disneyland railroad history, and reflect on Alan Menken’s emotional stories about Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and continuing forward when life doesn’t follow the path you expected.Then we turn from Disney’s past to its future as we discuss the announcements from the Disney Experiences showcase, including Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Carousel of Progress, Villains Land, Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, Spaceship Earth, Dreamfinder, and more. Along the way, we ask a bigger question: Are we beginning to see a return to the roots of Imagineering?Clock in with us for a special post-D23 Nite Shift filled with Disney history, rare finds, rabbit trails, and plenty of opinions about where the parks have been and where they may be going next.Resources mentioned in this episode:Donald in Mathmagicland on E82 https://www.epcotlegacy.com/chronology/1959mathmagiclandBook - Who the Mirror Reflects by Kate Grassohttps://payhip.com/b/4hjJrMusic - Marco Palos & the Phat Cat Swingershttps://marcopalos.com/Join us LIVE on YouTube every week for Distory! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter X, and also at disneycicerone.com & epcotlegacy.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Joshua’s resources:E82 | The Epcot LegacyJLH OmniMediaKate’s resources:Kate’s BooksKate’s SubstackShow MerchDistory T-shirts and StickersKirk’s appMOWD app
Did Imagineering really bring the Haunted Mansion back to its 1971 roots… or is there more to the story?On this episode of Distory Nite Shift, we hop in our doom buggy and head to Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion to trace the fascinating evolution of its architecture, landscaping, and changing appearance from the earliest concept art through today. Along the way, we explore rare Imagineering artwork, Victorian design influences, historic photographs, and forgotten architectural inspirations to answer one question that Disney history fans have been debating ever since the mansion received its latest makeover.We also discuss why a beautifully maintained Haunted Mansion may actually be creepier than a run-down one, examine the symbolism hidden within its gardens and trees, and explore how Imagineers have balanced historical authenticity with storytelling over the decades.Later in the evening, we share our thoughts on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party’s updated Haunted Mansion costumes, compare them to historical versions, and imagine where Disney could take them next.So grab your favorite late-night snack, clock in for another shift, and join us for an evening of Disney history, architecture, and spirited conversation.Distory Nite Shift is a new addition to the Distory Podcast! 🌙 Nite Shift is a conversation between two Disney historians who have a combined 55 years of Disney history knowledge. The “after-show” of Distory with Kate & Kirk, this late-nite conversation for Disney history lovers is hosted by Kate the Disney Cicerone and Joshua of E82 | The Epcot Legacy.Distory Nite Shift is broadcast every other week, opposite of Distory with Kate & Kirk. - Quick links to highlighted media in this episode:Music Future World Atmospheres Serieshttps://www.epcotlegacy.com/music/atmospheresA Chilling Night in Disney's Haunted Mansionhttps://www.jlhomnimedia.com/mansion-epBooksDisney Cicerone End of Summer Reading Sale ☀️ https://payhip.com/DisneyCiceroneWhat the Mansion Eyes Seehttps://payhip.com/b/RozFhJoin us LIVE on YouTube every week for Distory! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter X, and also at disneycicerone.com & epcotlegacy.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Joshua’s resources:E82 | The Epcot LegacyJLH OmniMediaKate’s resources:Kate’s BooksKate’s SubstackShow MerchDistory T-shirts and StickersKirk’s appMOWD app





