Deconstructing Disney

Rachel Casey, Erin Casey
  • 4.7 (24)
  • Film History
  • Series

Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. @DeconDisney on social media.

  1. Episode 1

    1 - Millennial Girlhood and the Disney Renaissance

    This is the first episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn about their childhood experiences watching Disney movies during the late 1980s and 1990s, a period during which advances in home video technology allowed children unprecedented access to their favorite films. This episode also provides an overview of the nine movies that comprise the Disney Renaissance canon, told using audio clips from the movies themselves, the girls who watched them, and movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim) Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Chicago Tribune (1986, June 13). Report finds VCR becoming the appliance of the ‘80s. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/06/13/report-finds-vcr-becoming-the-appliance-of-the-80s/ Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. DisneyLivin. (2020, August 3). Too excited to sleep - Walt Disney World commercial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l56dzgsMpvU Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Movie & Video Game TV Spots. (2021, September 10). Disney’s Peter Pan & The Little Mermaid VHS Release Ad (1991) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Y3UrvxeD0 Siskel, G., & Ebert, R. (1989-1998). Siskel & Ebert [TV series]. Buena Vista Television.  Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. United States Census Bureau. (2009). Utilization of Selected Media: 1980 to 2006 (Table 1090).  https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2008/compendia/statab/128ed/tables/09s1090.pdf

    1 - Millennial Girlhood and the Disney Renaissance

  2. Episode 2

    2 - Consuming Disney in the 1990s

    This is the second episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn about their childhood experiences watching Disney movies. In this episode, we learn how Disney Renaissance films provided comfort, connected girls with their family and friends, and promoted consumerism of Disney merchandise. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).   Sources: 90’s Video Girl. (2022, June 1). Swimming Ariel Ad (1997) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTySd82tkD0 90’s Video Girl. (2023, September 16). Pizza Hut Ad - Beauty and the Beast 1 (1992) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYizBarYJT4 Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. CRT Afterglow. (2023, February 28). 1992 Burger King Kids Meal Aladdin Toys Commercial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1BV4rd9kdA Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  MermaidZone. (2012, January 1). Mulan Secret Hero & Matchmaker Magic MATTEL Dolls Commercial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrMil6JAmSs Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.

    2 - Consuming Disney in the 1990s

  3. Episode 3

    3 - Strong, Oppressed Princesses

    This is the third episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them, including their beliefs around gender. Female characters like Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991), Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996), and Mulan (Mulan, 1998) represented a new type of Disney princess character: one who was active, courageous, and strong. These characters still experienced gendered oppression, however, and the movies of the Renaissance offered important lessons to young girls about what it means to be a woman. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Muir, R. (2023). The Disney princess phenomenon: A feminist analysis. Bristol University Press.  Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.

    3 - Strong, Oppressed Princesses

  4. Episode 4

    4 - Unrealistic Romances with Unimpressive Princes

    This is the fourth episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them, including their beliefs around romance. Every single female protagonist in the Disney Renaissance movies experienced some sort of romantic entanglement, conveying to millennial girls that (heterosexual, monogamous) love is required to achieve a happy ending in real life. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. CappaZack. (2021, July 16). Runaway Bride Movie Trailer 1999 - TV Spot [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fagevbZWFU0 Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. From a Lost Deck. (2010, July 13). While You were sleeping (1995) | Movie Trailer | Sandra Bullock, Bill Pulman [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3RSYSsgz3w Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Walsh, S. (2023, October 19). Sleepless In Seattle commercial 1993 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBTd1-bdYtY

    4 - Unrealistic Romances with Unimpressive Princes

  5. Episode 5

    5 - The Fairest of Them All Get Some Updates

    This is the fifth episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them, including their beliefs around beauty standards. While the female protagonists of this era retained the unrealistic hour glass figures and oversized facial features of their predecessors in earlier Disney films, they also demonstrated more physical strength and a wider range of racial identities, thus expanding the definition of what makes women beautiful. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. PIX11 News. (2022, December 5). The return of heroin chic? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705g74IklHc TMZ. (2022, April 13). Jessica Simpson Shows Off in New Bikini Pic After 3rd 100LB | TMZ TV.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J81OlJ9vfVU Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics. Bureau of the Census. https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1990/cp-1/cp-1-1.pdf  Waters, M. (Director). (2004). Mean girls [Film]. Paramount Pictures.

    5 - The Fairest of Them All Get Some Updates

  6. Episode 6

    6 - Dead Moms and Dysfunctional Dads

    This is the sixth episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them, including their beliefs about families. After recounting their family trips to Disney theme parks during childhood, millennial women share how Disney Renaissance films showcased a diverse array of family structures. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. DocumentDisney. (2026, January 11). Pirates of the Caribbean 2026 - Disneyland Ride [4K60 POV] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnBNFjRKuIg&t=818s Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Kanemoto, D.M. (2024, May 1). THE HAUNTED MANSION Animated Ride-A-Long [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3JqUle-M_c Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Livingston, G. (2013, July 2). The rise of single fathers: A ninefold increase since 1960. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/07/single-fathers-07-2013.pdf  LMG Vids. (2026, March 23). Space Mountain - Low Light POV - Disneyland Park 2026 | 4K 60FPS [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3z_RYkT3l8&t=185s Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Tom Crossman Pictures. (2026, April 18). it’s a small world Disneyland Ride Through | Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1h4ejwKwQk Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.

    6 - Dead Moms and Dysfunctional Dads

  7. Episode 7

    7 - Ambivalent Nostalgia

    This is the seventh episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them. In this episode, millennial women reflect on their feelings about the Walt Disney Company as an agent of both wondrous joy and capitalist greed. Despite their ambivalence about the Walt Disney Company, many women continue to watch the beloved movies of their childhood and share them with younger generations. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Bloomberg Television. Disney’s Third-Quarter Profit Growth Driven by Parks, Streaming [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XegCLv-X8Cg Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. The Hollywood Reporter. (2024, August 13). ‘Frozen 3’ Gets Official Thanksgiving 2027 Release Date | THR News [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wcxgEUvEUc Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.

    7 - Ambivalent Nostalgia

  8. Episode 8

    8 - Why the Disney Renaissance Matters

    This is the final episode in a special eight-part series about millennial women and the Disney Renaissance. Rachel interviewed 34 millennial women to learn how the movies of the Disney Renaissance influenced them. Millennial women embraced inspirational messages about following one’s dreams of adventure in the great, wide somewhere and going the distance to find where one belongs. Disney Renaissance films also nurtured a love of art and music in many millennial girls, even leading some to careers in animation. For these reasons and more, the Disney Renaissance left an indelible mark on many millennial women. Thanks to Grace Brenner, Chris Casey, Erin Casey, and the University of Southern Maine. Research protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern Maine (IRB#2024-192).  Audio clips of research interviews have been shared with consent from participants. Audio clips from existing media have been used in accordance with fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. This podcast is not associated with or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.  Cover art by Melanie Kim (@mellyckim).  Sources: Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (Directors). (1998). Mulan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1989). The Little Mermaid [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures. Clements, R., & Musker, J. (Directors). (1997). Hercules  [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Goldberg, E., & Gabriel, M. (1995). Pocahontas [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Lima, K., & Buck, C. (Directors). (1999). Tarzan [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.  Minkoff, R., & Allers, R. (Directors). (1994). The Lion King [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1991). Beauty and the Beast [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures. Trousdale, G., & Wise, K. (Directors). (1996). The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures.

    8 - Why the Disney Renaissance Matters
See All Season 2 (8)

4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. @DeconDisney on social media.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Casey, Erin Casey
  • Episodes
    75
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Deconstructing Disney
  • Show Website
    Deconstructing Disney

You Might Also Like