90s Disney

The Minotti Brothers
  • 5.0 (60)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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!

  1. 79 - Walt Disney World 1996

    2D AGO

    79 - Walt Disney World 1996

    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 Disney in a moment of transition, balancing experimentation, expansion, and the expectations of a rapidly growing audience.Outside the parks, we also dig into how the resort itself was expanding, with new places to stay, shop, and spend time that reshaped how guests experienced Walt Disney World beyond the gates. Along the way, we share memories, listener emails, and reflections on how this era of Disney felt at the time, and how it looks in hindsight. Whether you lived it firsthand or are discovering it through old photos and home videos, this episode is a relaxed, nostalgic look at a year that helped define the Disney we know today. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:57 New Year Celebrations and Banter 02:18 Walt Disney World in 1996 03:54 Magic Kingdom Updates 07:04 Epcot Changes and Closures 12:04 Disney MGM Studios Highlights 13:53 Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney 25:29 Universal Studios Florida in 1996 27:56 Disneyland's 40th Anniversary and Park Comparisons 29:38 Future Disney and Universal Park Developments 32:36 Mailbag: Listener Questions and Memories 45:08 Wrapping Up and Future Plans Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | @90sdisneypodcastEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    47 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    78 - Mikey's Christmas WDW Trip Report Birthday Spectacular

    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 & Barrel, live jazz at Scat Cat’s Lounge, and and Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Mike also makes time for a visit to Epic Universe, checking out Donkey Kong Country, Celestial Park, rooftop drinks at the Grand Helios Hotel, and a standout dining experience at The Atlantic.The trip comes to a magical close at EPCOT with the Candlelight Processional, this time narrated by the incredible Susan Egan — Belle from Broadway and Megara from Disney’s Hercules. All that, plus listener emails about future Disney bar concepts, how theme parks balance story and spectacle, standout holiday traditions, and the eternal joys of the PeopleMover. Celebrate the season, the magic, and Mikey’s birthday with this festive trip through Walt Disney World! 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 01:06 Birthday Celebrations and Travel Updates 01:55 Disney World Trip Overview 02:52 Polynesian Resort Experience 08:33 Dining at Tony's Town Square Restaurant 10:27 Jingle Cruise and Other Attractions 11:34 Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Bar 15:32 Port Orleans French Quarter Stay 18:41 Animal Kingdom Adventures 21:56 Hollywood Studios Jolly Nights 27:50 Epic Universe Day 32:57 Tasty Treats and Theme Park Snacks 33:14 Harry Potter Show and Park Updates 33:49 Epcot Adventures and Christmas Overlays 36:02 Dining Experiences and Character Meals 38:03 Candlelight Processional and Evening Festivities 38:35 Exploring Epcot's Food and Drinks 43:42 Magic Kingdom and Resort Relaxation 46:06 Disney Bar Concepts and Listener Emails Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | @90sdisneypodcastEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    1h 5m

  3. 11/20/2025 · BONUS

    77.5 - Ranking WDW Resort Lobbies

    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 special details that make each lobby unique. It’s a fun, chaotic journey full of tangents about Christmas trees, elevator races, cereal from the 90s, and even who has the best lobby bar. Whether you’re a fan of tiki torches or towering totems, this episode will make you want to visit every resort just to sit in the lobby. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:05 Ranking Disney World Hotel Lobbies 01:45 Grand Floridian Lobby Discussion 06:45 Contemporary Resort Lobby Insights 10:03 Polynesian Resort Lobby Review 14:16 Wilderness Lodge Lobby Impressions 16:39 Port Orleans and Old Key West Lobbies 20:09 Yacht and Beach Club Lobbies 23:01 Swan and Dolphin Lobbies 24:07 Caribbean Beach Resort Lobby 25:54 Critiquing the Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts 27:02 Exploring Pop Century and Art of Animation 27:38 Discussing the All-Star Resorts 28:08 Saratoga Springs and Coronado Springs 29:48 Animal Kingdom Lodge and Other Resorts 34:13 Ranking the Disney Resort Lobbies 36:53 Listener Comments and Emails 48:49 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | InstagramEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    52 min
  4. 77 - Light Magic

    11/02/2025

    77 - Light Magic

    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 was it simply a misunderstood experiment ahead of its time? We compare it to later nighttime “misses” like Rivers of Light and Harmonious. And of course, there’s talk of creepy pixie masks, Baroque Hoedown remixes, and how many cast members it really takes to sweep up confetti. 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Late Night Recording and World Series 01:10 Daylight Savings Debate 01:57 Light and Magic: The Ill-Fated Disneyland Spectacular 02:57 Main Street Electrical Parade History 06:21 The Rise and Fall of Light Magic 07:26 Technical Aspects and Challenges 20:03 Premiere and Public Reception 26:16 Legacy and Final Thoughts 31:47 Analyzing Light Magic's Shortcomings 31:58 Suggestions for Improving Light Magic 33:32 Comparing Disney's Nighttime Show Failures 34:43 Nostalgia and Nighttime Parades 38:40 Listener Emails and Comments 41:10 Disney Villains Themed Attractions 51:35 Favorite Disney Sequels and Halloween Movies 52:07 Wrapping Up and Future Plans Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | InstagramEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    55 min

  5. 10/20/2025 · BONUS

    76.5 - Plussing Attractions

    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 Disney World to decide which attractions could use a little “plus” of their own — and which ones should be left alone. Plus, the brothers read listener emails about Epic Universe tips, favorite Disney holiday traditions, and must-try dining picks for upcoming trips. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 02:30 Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland Updates 05:45 Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland Enhancements 08:18 Magic Kingdom: Liberty Square and Frontierland 10:51 Magic Kingdom: Adventureland Improvements 12:34 Epcot: Future World and World Showcase 23:07 Hollywood Studios: Sunset Boulevard and Toy Story Land 26:24 Thought Experiment: Original Trilogy Ride 27:21 Maintaining and Fixing Disneyland Attractions 27:42 Future of Star Tours 29:03 Indiana Jones and Other Attractions 30:07 Animal Kingdom Updates 34:15 Avatar and Pandora Attractions 38:48 Epic Universe and Hotel Recommendations 44:10 Holiday Traditions at Disney 45:59 Dining Recommendations for Anniversary Trip 49:01 Cedar Point and Knottsberry Farm 52:14 Upcoming Episode and Conclusion Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | InstagramEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    53 min
  6. 76 - Festival of the Lion King

    09/30/2025

    76 - Festival of the Lion King

    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 origins of Camp Minnie-Mickey and the companion show Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends.How the Lion King Celebration Parade at Disneyland influenced Animal Kingdom’s show.Michael Eisner’s last-minute push for characters and stage shows at Animal Kingdom.Disney Legend Ron Logan’s leadership and the recycling of parade floats to create the production.Writer and director Reed Jones, his early Disney career, and his vision for a celebratory musical revue rather than a simple retelling of the film.A detailed walkthrough of the show itself from the Tumble Monkeys to the fire knife dancer to the aerial “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” duet.The show’s upgrades over time, including moving from its original “shed” theater in Camp Minnie-Mickey to the Harambe Theater when Pandora – The World of Avatar was announced.The pandemic closure, the scaled-down A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King, and the triumphant full return in 2022.A look at the Hong Kong Disneyland version and how it differs from Walt Disney World’s. Join us as we celebrate the story of a show that was meant to be temporary but became an Animal Kingdom icon. 00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney 01:12 Festival of the Lion King Introduction 01:33 Disney in the 90s Recap 01:58 Animal Kingdom's Opening Day 04:29 Beastly Kingdomme and Budget Cuts 06:56 Camp Minnie-Mickey: A Temporary Solution 09:05 Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends Show 11:00 Lion King Celebration Parade at Disneyland 14:21 Creating Festival of the Lion King 17:47 The Show's Key Performers and Acts 32:59 Voice Actors 33:40 Theater Upgrades and Popularity 34:38 Timon's Articulated Head and Other Upgrades 35:55 Pandora and the New Harambe Theater 38:37 COVID-19 Impact and Show Modifications 41:59 Full Return of the Festival of the Lion King 43:45 Hong Kong's Festival of the Lion King 45:27 Disney Stage Shows and Personal Experiences 52:08 Listener Emails and Comments Follow Us Blue Sky | Twitter/X | Facebook | Threads | InstagramEmail: 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    1h 1m

  7. 09/18/2025 · BONUS

    75.5 - Top Five Hollywood Studios Shows

    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 ones made us cry? Which ones starred us? Expect arguments. Expect nostalgia. Expect Muppets. What’s your favorite show in the Studios? Let us know! 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter 01:27 Top 5 Live Shows at Disney Hollywood Studios 02:32 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular 03:10 Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage 06:40 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Show 08:49 Voyage of The Little Mermaid 10:27 Here Come The Muppets 13:32 Ace Ventura and Other Oddities 16:51 Superstar Television Memories 20:43 Doug Live and Other Shows 30:06 Fantasmic! 32:06 Dick Tracy Diamond Double Cross 34:22 Hollywood's Pretty Woman and Other Shows 34:35 Discussing Lightning McQueen and the New Villain Show 34:50 The Villain Show Experience 36:55 Ranking Disney Shows 38:57 Debating the Best Disney Shows 42:09 Listener Comments and Emails Follow Us Blue SkyTwitter/XFacebookThreadsInstagram📬 Email us your rankings at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com

    1h 8m
  8. 75 - Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

    09/01/2025

    75 - Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

    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 casting to explosions to theme park lore. From its high-flying choreography to its crowd-pleasing humor and behind-the-scenes gags, the Epic Stunt Spectacular has earned its place in the Hall of Theme Park Legends. We also talk about the real stunt work, rotating casts, audience volunteers, fire effects, and why this show remains one of the longest-running stage productions in theme park history, even as the rest of the park has changed around it. Plus, we share our own memories of seeing the show as kids and reflect on why the Epic Stunt Spectacular still holds up (even if the fedora is a little dusty).\ 00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney 01:26 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular 03:00 Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Stunt Show 06:28 Key Figures in the Stunt Show's Creation 23:12 The Show's Evolution and Audience Participation 36:58 The Stunt Sequence Breakdown 37:11 Behind the Scenes: Truck Stunt 38:29 Audience Interaction and Gags 41:07 The Airfield Finale 45:24 The Gift Shop Experience 50:56 Changes Over the Years 53:02 Audience Participation and Legal Changes 57:42 Indiana Jones in Pop Culture 01:02:32 Comparing Stunt Shows 01:05:43 Listener Emails and Q&A 01:10:58 Taking Disney Advice to Heart 01:11:42 Kingdom Hearts and 90s Disney Properties 01:14:46 The Savi's Experience at Galaxy's Edge 01:17:05 Face Characters and Disney Roles 01:24:40 Disney Park Traditions and First Day Plans 01:32:42 Favorite Coasters and Sicko Moments 01:39:48 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes References & Further Reading: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – WikipediaAllEars.net – Show Description & TriviaFull Show on YouTube (2023 version)Follow Us Blue SkyTwitter/XFacebookThreadsInstagram📬 Email us at 90sDisneyPodcast@gmail.com with your stunt show memories!

    1h 41m
See All (136)

5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    The Minotti Brothers
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Minotti Brothers
  • Show Website
    90s Disney

You Might Also Like