90s Disney

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. The ups, downs, and lasting impact of Rainforest Cafe on themed dining. Our personal memories and thoughts on the experience of dining in the wild! Follow Us: Blue Sky Twitter/X Facebook Threads Instagram 📩 Email us at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

02-01

01:13:51

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.

01-17

59:17

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 gem. What You'll Learn in This Episode The origins and concept behind Horizons. Why Horizons resonated so deeply with visitors. The factors that led to its closure and ultimate demolition. How Horizons continues to influence Disney attractions today. The passionate fan community that keeps the memory of Horizons alive. Links and Resources RetroWDW's Full Ride-Through Video of Horizons Martin’s Ultimate Tribute to Horizons Defunctland: The History of Disney’s Horizons Horizons Resurrected Project Disney History Institute Wikipedia Article on Horizons Follow Us Blue Sky Twitter/X Facebook Threads Instagram Email: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

01-01

01:05:38

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 Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Delicious meals, from the Crystal Palace to Ohana. His daughters' reactions to attractions like Flight of Passage and Rise of the Resistance. A bonus report on Mike and Jeff's recent day spent at Universal Studios Hollywood. How Jeff became a theme park fan for life. Plus, hear Jeff's take on how Disney delivers the magic for first-timers!

12-19

01:40:21

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 Enchanted Christmas Origins: A deep dive into the 1997 direct-to-video release. How Disney expanded their animation studios in Canada to capitalize on direct-to-video success. The scrapped sequel concept featuring Gaston’s vengeful brother, Avernon. 🎶 Music and Magic: Meet Tim Curry as Forte, Disney’s first fully CG-animated villain. Explore the festive soundtrack by Rachel Portman, including As Long as There’s Christmas and Forte’s villain song Don’t Fall in Love. Paige O’Hara’s surprise Christmas carol album—yes, it’s on Spotify! 📜 Plot Highlights: How the story retcons Beast’s curse and places Christmas at its emotional center. Belle’s attempts to bring holiday cheer clash with Beast’s Christmas trauma. Forte’s sinister plan to keep the curse intact and a snowy showdown in the Black Forest. 🎄 Legacy and Reception: With 7.6 million VHS copies sold, it’s the fourth-highest-grossing direct-to-video animated film of all time! Critics called it a “soggy Christmas fruitcake,” but fans still find nostalgia in its quirky charm. The film’s role as a proving ground for digital animation techniques that influenced future Disney features. Nostalgia Factor: Why does no one talk about this movie? AJ shares childhood memories of the Paige O’Hara Christmas album, and the brothers compare this forgotten gem to other Disney direct-to-video sequels. Is The Enchanted Christmas a hidden holiday classic or a Disney curio? Share your memories! Email us at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment on Spotify.

12-01

01:02:52

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 favorite theme park experiences! 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Spirit 01:55 Discussing Disney's Best Attraction Moments 02:28 Radiator Springs Racers Highlights 04:04 Great Movie Ride Memories 05:35 PeopleMover and Rise of the Resistance 08:43 American Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean 11:30 Tower of Terror and Fantasmic! 14:52 Universal Studios Highlights 22:30 Muppet Vision 3D and Final Thoughts 23:27 Haunted Mansion Highlights 24:25 Avatar Flight of Passage: A Magical Moment 26:12 Mario Kart Ride: Cloudtop Cruise 27:20 Navi River Journey: The Shaman 28:17 Amazing Spider-Man Ride: Gravity Gun Effect 30:30 SpectroMagic Parade Memories 31:50 Bourne Identity Stunt Show: Mind-Blowing Effects 33:00 Star Tours: The Trench Run 34:41 Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: The Alley Reveal 35:42 Catastrophe Canyon: A Thrilling Experience 37:14 Spaceship Earth: Reaching the Top 38:58 Disney Trip Tips with Kids 43:16 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

11-19

44:58

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 episode also notes the enduring influence of the attraction, with references in other Disney-related projects and the subsequent use of the attraction space. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 01:12 Halloween Vibes and Spooky Talk 01:39 Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom 02:53 Nostalgia Trip to 1995 05:41 Michael Eisner's Disney Decade 09:51 Alien Franchise and Disney Parks 15:16 Tomorrowland's Evolution 16:00 Mission to Mars and Tomorrowland 2055 24:07 Disneyland's Abandoned Plans 27:24 Walt Disney World's New Tomorrowland 30:13 The Evolution of Tomorrowland 30:56 Extraterrestrial Alien Encounter: The Controversy 32:19 The Pre-Show Experience 33:09 Reworking the Attraction 34:18 The Creative Minds Behind the Changes 37:10 The New and Improved Show 45:38 The Storyline and Audience Experience 55:27 The Terrifying Alien Encounter 01:03:59 The Alien Encounter Finale 01:04:43 Technical Marvels and Effects 01:07:53 The Cast and Characters 01:09:39 The Attraction's Demise 01:11:21 Stitch's Great Escape 01:13:36 Future of the Attraction Space 01:15:45 Nostalgia and Fun Facts 01:26:18 Listener Comments and Wrap-Up

11-01

01:27:08

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 20:41 Galaxy's Edge: Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run 23:41 Galaxy's Edge: Rise of the Resistance 26:34 Toy Story Land: Toy Story Mania 38:25 Embracing the Moment 38:36 Tower of Terror: A Timeless Classic 44:54 Rockin' Roller Coaster: A Ride Through Time 52:47 Ranking the Attractions 53:52 Nostalgia and Memories 01:10:09 Listener Feedback and Wrap-Up

10-17

01:16:05

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 movie props. Listener questions, stories about Disney parks, and food experiences are also featured. 00:00 Introduction to 90s Disney Podcast 00:31 Discussing The Rescuers Down Under 01:20 Box Office Competition and Release Context 02:24 The Original Rescuers and Its Legacy 05:36 Production Insights and Key Figures 11:48 Voice Cast and Character Highlights 19:19 Animation Techniques and Innovations 27:08 Soundtrack and Musical Choices 30:51 Personal Memories and Final Thoughts 36:20 Discussing the Movie's Ending 37:08 Box Office Performance and Marketing Decisions 38:13 Critical Reception and Legacy 38:53 Home Alone and Disney's Direction 39:37 VHS Success and Financial Insights 40:12 Rescuers Down Under in Disney's 100th Anniversary 41:47 Rescue Rangers and Rescuers Down Under 42:16 Underrated Disney Movies 44:01 Listener Emails and Comments 58:07 Shanghai Disneyland Attractions Ranking 01:05:35 Halloween Plans and Farewell

10-01

01:07:39

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 experience at the now-closed Alfredo's in Epcot. Join us as we celebrate the culinary magic of Disney. 00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode! 01:29 Favorite Disney Meals: A Trip Down Memory Lane 02:16 Victoria and Albert's: A Culinary Experience 05:32 Nomad Lounge: Hidden Gem 09:11 California Grill Brunch: Post-Marathon Feast 10:44 Yachtsman Steakhouse: The Best Steak Ever 14:54 Sanaa: Bread Service and Beyond 23:07 Liberty Tree Tavern: A Nostalgic First 26:03 Sleepy Hollow: Waffle Sandwich Delight 27:05 Finnegan's at Universal: A Fun Pub Experience 29:12 Disney Wish: Palo Steakhouse and Pasta 30:41 Wine and Nostalgia on the Disney Cruise 31:30 Memorable Meals at Alfredo's in Epcot 36:12 Topolino's Terrace: A Culinary Delight 38:33 Garden Grill: A Hidden Gem 42:05 Narcoossee's: A Perfect Surf and Turf 45:27 Morimoto Asia: A Taste of Excellence 47:44 Homecoming: Southern Comfort Food 49:02 Disney Springs Dining: Boathouse vs. Raglan Road 53:51 Quick Service Surprises 57:30 Wrapping Up and Listener Mail

09-17

58:44

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 adventures at Disney World restaurants like Morimoto's and Toledo, adding amusing anecdotes and listener recommendations for Tokyo Disney. The show wraps up with a toast to future cocktail explorations and humorous discussions about Disney villain lands. 00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney Podcast 01:24 Backyard Cocktail Party Begins 01:39 Mike's European Adventures 04:39 Disney Cocktail History 06:21 Making the Shipwreck Cocktail 09:25 Memories of Trader Sam's 28:26 Monorail Yellow Cocktail 36:07 Dirty Soda Cups and Fresh Glasses 36:21 McDonald's Adventures Abroad 38:30 Blended Drinks and Blunders 40:00 Mixing Up Classic Cocktails 45:56 Poolside Drinks and Memories 51:05 Unique Bottles and Special Spirits 54:47 Controlled State Liquor Laws 55:34 Winning the Pappy Van Winkle Lottery 58:02 Typhoon Lagoon's Pineapple Mule 01:05:42 Universal's Cocktail Game 01:07:45 Excitement Over the Lounge 01:07:53 Mint and Mule Delights 01:09:07 Disney Water Park Plans 01:09:51 Nostalgic Concert Memories 01:10:46 Dream Disney Lounges 01:13:10 Ginger Beer and Disney Drinks 01:15:28 Disneyland and Oga's Cantina 01:22:57 Disney Merchandise and Stitch 01:24:46 Disney Parks and Attractions 01:35:53 Listener Submitted Cocktail 01:37:57 Discussing Ride Experiences 01:39:02 Super Nintendo World and Epic Universe 01:39:50 Zelda and Harry Potter Themed Beverages 01:41:10 Cleveland and Ohio Memes 01:42:55 Podcasting Challenges and Live Plans 01:44:15 Disney Springs and Food Adventures 01:46:10 Disney Resort Restaurants 02:00:51 Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Tips 02:03:59 Concluding Thoughts and Emails

09-01

02:09:01

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 Campus, various dining adventures, and interactions with beloved characters. Listen in for details on bold Disney moves to reimagine iconic areas and the hosts' reactions to new rides and special events. 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter 01:23 D23 Reaction and Disneyland Trip 03:17 Avatar Land at Disneyland 07:39 Coco Boat Ride Announcement 10:27 Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom 11:49 Disneyland Paris Updates 13:38 Walt Disney Animatronic Show 16:59 Zootopia Show at Disneyland 18:03 Dinoland Replacement: Tropical Americas 33:50 Monsters Inc. Land Rumors 42:59 Cars Attractions in Frontierland 45:46 Disney Parks Blog Announcement 46:10 Tom Sawyer Island Transformation 47:05 Liberty Boat Sentiments 48:28 Rivers of America Refurbishments 48:56 Concept Art and Speculations 52:54 Villains Land Excitement 55:26 Magic Kingdom's Future 59:47 Disneyland Trip Highlights 01:00:01 Avengers Campus Experience 01:03:03 Disneyland Character Moments 01:12:28 Universal Studios Visit 01:25:47 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

08-15

01:26:50

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 water parks. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 01:13 Typhoon Lagoon Overview 01:52 Wave Pool History 03:48 Early Wave Pool Innovations 08:40 Disney's Wave Machine 09:51 Typhoon Lagoon's Wave Pool Mechanics 30:01 Attractions at Typhoon Lagoon 40:15 Castaway Creek: The Lazy River Experience 46:17 Dining Options at Typhoon Lagoon 50:22 Trivia and Fun Facts 59:18 Emails and Listener Interactions 01:07:26 Upcoming Episodes and Closing Remarks

08-01

01:08:55

AJ, Mike, and Chris talk about their favorite ways to get from A to B at our favorite theme parks. Hop on board!

07-18

45:22

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 that set the standard for modern monorails. Disney Monorails Walt Disney aimed for a futuristic transport system at Disneyland, leading to the creation of the Viewliner Train in 1957, which was later replaced by the ALWEG Monorail after Walt's visit to Germany. The Disneyland Monorail opened on June 14, 1959, featuring innovative designs and was the first to run adjacent to a major highway. Disneyland Mark I to III The Disneyland monorails evolved from Mark I in 1959 to Mark III in 1969, improving in size, capacity, and design. Walt Disney World Monorail The WDW monorail was a significant part of Walt's vision for showcasing the future. The Mark IV monorails, inspired by Learjet designs, were introduced in 1971, featuring unique support structures and smooth rides due to precise manufacturing. Mark IV to VI Mark IV monorails had bench seats, limited standing room, and basic AC. They were replaced by Mark VI in 1989, which featured better air conditioning, automatic doors, increased capacity, and higher speeds. EPCOT Expansion and Disneyland Mark V The WDW monorail system expanded to EPCOT in the late 1970s, with on-site precasting for new track beams. Disneyland introduced Mark V monorails in 1987, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and manufactured in West Germany. Send questions and comments to 90sdisneypodcast@gmail.com. Links The First Schwebebahn D23: Cool Facts About the Disney Monorail Monorails.org: History Concrete Technology Legacy PCI.org: History of Accelerated Bridge Construction Walt Dated World: Monorail History ASME: Disneyland Monorail System 1959 Disney Monorail Cab on eBay