Enchanted Ears: A Disney Adults Podcast

Angela & Joe: Your Disney Friends

If you believe Disney isn’t just for kids—you’ve found your people. We’re a Disney-obsessed couple who dive into everything from Walt Disney World and Disneyland trip planning to the movies that defined our childhoods. Every Monday, we bring you lively conversations on the best countries in EPCOT, the latest Disney news, hidden gems, and even which rides and restaurants are overrated. Our mix of park tips, debates, and Disney history is made for Disney adults who crave both magic and nostalgia. We also welcome special guests—including Disney Legends, Imagineers, former animators, and directors—who share behind-the-scenes stories about creating the attractions, films, and music that shaped generations. Whether you’re planning your next Disney trip, reminiscing about classic movies, or just love talking Mickey shaped food, Enchanted Ears is your weekly dose of pixie dust.

  1. Aug 24

    The True Story of Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

    The Enchanted Tiki Room may look like a charming little show filled with singing birds, but it fundamentally changed what Disneyland—and theme-park attractions—could be. Ken Bruce, the author who spent years researching its history, joins us to separate Disney mythology from the real story. We discuss the attraction’s unexpected origin, the birth of Audio-Animatronics, its connection to the Polaris missile program, the restaurant story Disney fans often repeat incorrectly and why the finished attraction is such a personal reflection of Walt Disney. Ken also makes the case that the Tiki Room isn’t merely an old attraction. It’s a piece of pop-culture history worthy of preservation. Find Ken at TikiRoom63.com and on Instagram at @TikiRoom1963. In this episode: -Why Disneyland was still searching for its identity in 1963 -The real origin of the Enchanted Tiki Room -How early Audio-Animatronics actually worked -The restaurant story Disney fans often get wrong -Why Ken calls the attraction “pure Walt” -Whether Disneyland attractions should be preserved like museum pieces Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook  -Youtube -Patreon Get your Enchanted Ears merch now Timestamps The Most Consequential Theme Park Attraction Ever? 00:00 The Precursor to Disneyland 11:28 How John Hench’s Sketch Shaped the Tiki Room 18:53 Audio Animatronics and the Department of Defense 27:45 How Walt Funded Disney’s Research With Other People’s Money 39:22 Was the Tiki Room Idea too Good? 43:30 How the Tiki Room Birds Got Their Accents 49:52 The History of the Barker Bird 55:37 Finding the Facts in the Myths 1:00:02 The Tiki Room is a Sacred Space 1:05:55 Are There Untouchable Attractions? 1:09:24 The Most Difficult Part of Storyboarding 1:14:22

  2. Aug 3

    Inside runDisney Race Weekend with Carissa Galloway

    What makes runDisney worth the 2:30 AM alarm? Carissa Galloway—RunDisney’s first female race announcer—joins us to explain why these races feel different, what happens behind the scenes before runners reach the start line, and how the community has changed during her two decades with the event. Carissa also shares the finish-line story she has never forgotten, how runDisney can turn first-time participants into lifelong runners, and the fueling mistake that leaves too many athletes starting their race dehydrated and underprepared. Plus, we discuss costumes, running and announcing on the same morning, marathon training, and why no distance should ever be dismissed as “just” a 5K. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook  -Youtube -Patreon Get your Enchanted Ears merch now Timestamps 00:00 Carissa Was The Face of RunDisney 03:40 Why RunDisney is Unlike Any Other Race 07:20 Is Disney the Perfect Place for Your First Race? 12:31 Carissa’s Journey to Announcing for RunDisney 16:15 The Evolution of RunDisney 19:00 Creating the Energy at the Finish Line 23:53 Behind the Scenes of a RunDisney Race 29:25 The Incredible Stories Behind the Races 36:23 Prepping to Announce Everything from Ironman to Power Boating 44:07 The Biggest Mistake Runners Make With Nutrition 50:28 Learn to Enjoy the Training Process 58:17 Follow Carissa for More RunDisney Fun 59:40 When’s Your Next Race?

  3. Jul 13

    The Best Thing at Walt Disney World, According to Disney Fans

    What is the single greatest thing in all of Walt Disney World? Are classic attractions better than modern rides? Can a Disney snack beat a character meet-and-greet? And when listeners vote, which part of the parks rises above everything else? In our 400th episode, we reveal the final results of our Best of the Parks Tournament, as voted on by you, the listeners. After weeks of matchups across classic attractions, modern attractions, food and snacks, and character meet-and-greets, only one Disney World favorite can be crowned the champion. In this episode, we cover: The final results of our listener-voted Disney World bracket Classic attractions vs. modern attractions Disney snacks vs. character meet-and-greets The biggest surprises from the tournament What Disney fans chose as the best thing in Walt Disney World A look back at 400 episodes of Enchanted Ears Thank you for listening, voting, and being part of this milestone with us. Here’s to 400 episodes — and the magic still to come. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don’t forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook  -Youtube -Patreon Get your Enchanted Ears merch now Timestamps Celebrating 400 Episodes 00:00 Building the Bracket 02:17 These Were Some Tough Choices 03:50 The Podcast Throughout the Years 15:22 The Best Attractions at Disney World 19:14 Is Mickey Mouse’s Win Inevitable? 24:42 Thank You to Everyone Who Supported Give Kids the World 27:33 The Single Greatest Thing at Disney World 30:21

4.9
out of 5
103 Ratings

About

If you believe Disney isn’t just for kids—you’ve found your people. We’re a Disney-obsessed couple who dive into everything from Walt Disney World and Disneyland trip planning to the movies that defined our childhoods. Every Monday, we bring you lively conversations on the best countries in EPCOT, the latest Disney news, hidden gems, and even which rides and restaurants are overrated. Our mix of park tips, debates, and Disney history is made for Disney adults who crave both magic and nostalgia. We also welcome special guests—including Disney Legends, Imagineers, former animators, and directors—who share behind-the-scenes stories about creating the attractions, films, and music that shaped generations. Whether you’re planning your next Disney trip, reminiscing about classic movies, or just love talking Mickey shaped food, Enchanted Ears is your weekly dose of pixie dust.

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