How did a small wax museum tucked under the Blue Bayou Mart evolve into one of Disney’s most iconic rides?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we set sail for adventure as we uncover the fascinating origins of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Beginning before Disneyland even opened and continuing throughout the 1950s and 60s, we explore rare early concepts for the Rogues Gallery Wax Museum and the many artists who helped shape the project. After stepping through Claude Coats’ atmospheric interpretation of a pirate adventure, we then dive into Marc Davis’ research, artwork, and storytelling process as the Rogues Gallery slowly transformed into Pirates of the Caribbean.Along the way, we encounter some dastardly pirates, discover unused ideas for pirate scenes, learn where “pirate speak” originated, and uncover who the fiercest pirates of all were before they were ultimately cut from the attraction.Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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 MerchKate’s BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate’s Substack
May 16
1 hr 34 min
Have you ever wished you could go back to 1966 and wander the original streets, shops, and restaurants of Walt Disney’s New Orleans Square?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we continue our new Pirates of the Caribbean series with a visit to a nostalgic version of New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Along the way, we take a historical walking tour through the quaint shops and fabulous restaurants that defined this exquisite corner of the park.As we explore its winding streets and intimate courtyards, we share rare stories, Kirk explains the history of beignets, Kate passes out mint juleps and gives some cast member accounts of what this area was like to work in, and we are both horrified by the realities of the duck press. We also highlight historical Disney documents, uncover some long-lost history, and even make a connection to the development of the nearby Haunted Mansion attraction (which has long been overlooked). Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
May 9
1 hr 41 min
New Orleans Square is a unique feature of Disneyland… but was it originally Walt Disney’s idea?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we begin our new Pirates of the Caribbean series with a visit to Walt Disney’s original 1966 New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Along the way, we take a historical walking tour through Imagineering’s early concepts, design, and the evolution of this exquisite land.As we explore its winding streets and intimate courtyards, we share rare stories, highlight historical Disney documents, and visit the unique features and characters that helped define this beautiful corner of the park.---Imagineer John Hench's Psychological Interpretation of DisneylandJoin us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
May 2
59 min
Being a Disney creator isn’t always easy. While there are plenty of magical and memorable moments, there are also struggles, failures, and opportunities to grow, many of which happen behind the scenes and go unseen by our audience.On this special bonus episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we share a deeper look into our lives as Disney podcasters, creators, app developers, and authors. We talk about the ups and downs, what it really takes to be a Disney historian, and some of the personal lessons we’ve learned along the way. We also pull back the curtain on the work that goes into creating an episode of Distory, from research and writing to production and storytelling.After a brief preview of our next Distory series, we dive into the realities of content creation, reflect on meaningful moments with our community, and open up about the more difficult parts of pursuing our dreams. We also share what we’re learning now and where we hope to go next as creators. We hope this episode is both encouraging and inspirational for everyone who is pursuing their own dream, whatever it may be.
Apr 25
1 hr 38 min
What history is hiding in plain sight in Disneyland’s central plaza hub? And what two favorite Disney parade songs have stories behind them that you’ve likely never heard before?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore 6 unique springtime stories throughout Disney history. Kate heads to Disneyland and takes a seat in the central plaza to observe some historic details you may not have noticed, reveals some duplicitous Disney artists, and tells the story of an iconic moment in Disneyland history (that guests never got to witness). Kirk brings his own rainy-day stories, with the history of a beloved park song, the origins of the topiaries in EPCOT Center, and a little meet and greet with two friendly Disney bunnies. As we share this fun variety of Spring Disney history, we take a few moments along the way to ponder some hopeful messages that we hope will bring a little extra magic to your day. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
Apr 11
1 hr 18 min
Disneyland Paris is known for having some of the most beautiful and elaborate attractions of any Disney park. But is that also true for Peter Pan’s Flight?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly across the pond to explore the Disneyland Paris version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using historic photos, Imagineering design concepts, and primary source documents, we uncover how this attraction was created and take a virtual fly-through, comparing it side by side with the original ride in Disneyland, Anaheim.Along the way, we visit the extinct Euro Disneyland preview center, discover props that were mistakenly thrown away, and discuss the early financial struggles of the park. After a brief creator break, where we share some of our own challenges and how we’ve overcome them, we return to the ride for one final flight… and realize that what we once thought was the superior version may not be the best after all.Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
Apr 4
1 hr 45 min
The details in Disney's updated Peter Pan’s Flight queue are incredible, but most of them are overlooked by guests… and not all of them are accurate. On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we explore the queue of the Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and attraction photos, we break down the history, artistry, and design of this unique space while uncovering the deeper story behind its details.As we move through this addition to the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, we uncover connections to Mary Blair’s concept art, examine Imagineering details, and explain how effects like Tinker Bell and the moving shadows are brought to life. Kirk dives into the history of dog collars and window frames, Kate decodes the stickers on Wendy’s suitcases and explores sketches from the original 1953 Darling nursery, and together we end in Pixie Passage while standing on a lost piece of Fantasyland history.Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
Mar 28
1 hr 41 min
What scenes did Imagineering decide to eliminate from Peter Pan’s flight… and what characters disappeared in the process?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to explore the history of Disneyland’s 1983 version of Peter Pan’s Flight. Using rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we break down the design of each scene in the attraction and reveal several concepts that were planned but never built.As we fly through the ride, we examine the sets piece by piece—exploring the chimney pots of London Town, uncovering unusual decor hidden in the streets below, and explaining the lighting effects that bring the flight over Neverland to life.Along the way, Kate takes us down a rabbit trail to Disneyland’s Indian Village, Kirk analyzes some questionable pirate fashion and weaponry, and we both look for missing pirates before discovering an alternate ending that almost was… and wish had been. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
Mar 21
1 hr 30 min
The details of the Darling nursery tell a deeper story than most people realize. But what details did Imagineering decide NOT to include in this opening scene?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to tell the history of Disneyland’s 1983 Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we deep-dive into the details of this beautiful attraction, flying through the Nursery and Garden scenes. Along the way, we identify some changes in the attraction from its opening to the current day, go down a rabbit trail to discover some obscure Disneyland history, and find an artifact from 1955. Kirk shares the history of hobby horses and alphabet blocks, Kate talks light traps and baffles, and we both explain some unique features of the garden and London mural as we fly away from the nursery window. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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
Mar 14
1 hr 3 min
In the 1980s, Imagineering completely tore apart Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. But how did they decide on what should replace it? And what did they decide NOT to build?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to Disneyland’s 1983 opening of New Fantasyland and Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and vintage photos, we deep-dive into the details of how they dismantled and rebuilt Walt’s original Fantasyland, including some concepts that never came to pass. As we fly along, Kirk takes us on a tour of dormer windows, Kate points out some ideas that didn't pan out for Imagineering, and we both lament the loss of so much art and memories when the bulldozers tore down Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. While waiting for the dispatch of our pirate galleons, we research some common Disney rumors, discover what inspired some of the queue design, and learn from original work documents how Imagineering pivoted away from their first idea of simply copying the 1971 Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan's Flight.Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and 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.Kate’s BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate’s Substack Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
Mar 7
1 hr 18 min
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