Distant Disney

We're back! In our news segment, we're breaking down Disney's recently announced service Genie and Genie+, what can you use it for, and how much it will cost. Part of this new tool will be completely replacing the existing FastPass+ system. Then, in our main segment, Brandon tells us about what it's like to be at one of the nation's largest state fairs - the Iowa State Fair.  Music by Colin Paul

Hey everybody! We don't have a new episode this week.. but we'll be back next Tuesday with a profile of one of the nation's most prominent state fairs - The Iowa State Fair!  So check this feed one week from now for the continuation of new episodes about Disney Parks and more! (And don't worry, we'll be talking all about the news that's been dropping lately).

Tucked into a small corner of Disney's Hollywood Studios, Muppet Vision 3D has been hosting guests for thirty years.  While the surrounding areas of the park have seen, shall we say, drastic renovations and rethemes throughout that time, this stalwart little attraction remains nearly unchanged from its opening day version.  This week, we're taking a look at the history of this classic 3D attraction, the massive land that was originally planned for the area, as well as the other iterations of Muppets in Disney parks. Music by Colin Paul.

Ep 127 - Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is now live! Despite being over ninety years old, Mickey Mouse has never had a starring role in an attraction - until very recently, that is! Check out this week's episode to learn all about this ground breaking attraction. Music by Colin Paul

Note: This episode was recorded before the tragic events that resulted in one child's death at Adventureland Resort in Iowa.  Although we coincidentally talked about the park this week, we will discuss this tragedy in the next episode. We're bringing a slightly abbreviated show this week due to Danny's upcoming move!  But that won't stop us from talking all about those iconic Main Street vehicles that you can observe, and yes, ride! Music by Colin Paul.

This week on Distant Disney, we're listing our favorite places to kick back and get a drink throughout Disney World!  We're exploring the best watering holes in the parks, resorts and Disney Springs.  So if you like to relax with a cold drink on your vacation, this episode is for you! Music by Colin Paul.

You may love this attraction, you may hate it.  Either way, this attraction has been mired in controversy for decades. This week, as Danny slowly melts in his recording space, we're taking a look back at this once iconic attraction's staggering demise to one of the most maligned attractions in all of Disney World.  Music by Colin Paul

We're joined this week by special guest Julia, a former Disneyland cast member whose roles included Park Greeter and Entertainment host!  We asked her all about her time with Disney, from her beginning with the Disney Dreamer's Academy to ultimately being caught up in the massive layoffs last year. Music by Colin Paul

In our final installment of our resorts series, we're profiling the pairs of Disney hotels -  Swan & Dolphin and the Yacht & Beach Clubs.  Although all four of these resorts are part of the Epcot resort area, two of them actually aren't Disney resorts at all! Music by Colin Paul

We're taking a brief respite from our exhaustive exploration of Disney World resorts to profile the largest regional theme park company in the world. Odds are, if you haven't already been to a Six Flags park, you know someone who has.  This company that is only a few years younger than Disneyland itself, has grown to be recognized across the globe - but not without some major speed bumps.  We'll be talking about Six Flags' chaotic history in this week's episode.  Music by Colin Paul

We've been talking a lot about Disney's in house time-share program, the Disney Vacation Club.  But where did this initiative come from?  This week, we're answering that question and looking at the very first DVC resort: Old Key West. Music by Colin Paul

This week on Distant Disney Brandon takes us through one of Disney World's flagship resorts: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Arguably the most elegant of all the Disney resorts, the Grand Floridian will set you back a fair amount to stay there.  But its intricate design, famous Signature dining, and seamless blending of Victorian architecture with modern amenities like the attached monorail station, make this resort a must-see. We're also supporting a friend of the show's new endeavor - Hester Bros. Cartoon Theatre.  Their first episode is all about House of Mouse! Music by Colin Paul

We're covering two ends of the resort timeline this week - Caribbean Beach was the first moderate resort to open, and Riviera Resort was the newest resort to open (and last before the pandemic began!)  Check out this episode if you're considering staying in either of these resorts, or like us, you just miss wandering through the Disney resorts!Music by Colin Paul

These two deluxe resorts may draw their themes from two opposite American coasts, but we think that you'll love them no matter where you're from! Wilderness Lodge, with its babbling creeks and tranquil forests draws the nature lovers.  While Boardwalk Inn, bringing the excitement of Atlantic City and Coney Island provides nightlife for all of the partiers who find themselves vacationing at Disney World!   Should you stay at one of these hotels?  Check out this episode and you might just have your answer! Music by Colin Paul

Unfortunately, we don't have a new episode for you this week! Danny was exposed to Covid and had to self-isolate in a location separately from his recording equipment.  We'll try to get a new episode on this feed for next Tuesday though!  Stay safe, everyone.Music by Colin Paul.

Our next two resorts on our journey through Disney World's hotels bring us to affluent New England horse-racing grounds as well as the whimsical world of larger-than-life animation.  They also reflect two completely different travel budgets! Music by Colin Paul

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the All Star Resorts (comprised of Music, Sports and Movies hotels) - two titans of Disney hotels, but for very different reason.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only hotel on property where you can actually see some of the animals you may get to meet at Animal Kingdom, and the All Star Resorts are, well, the cheapest.  We're taking you on a little jaunt through each of these resorts this week.

Disney's Coronado Resort has been called the best value out of all the resorts on Walt Disney World property.  So what makes this gargantuan resort so special?  That's what we're talking about this week! Music by Colin Paul

With the new year, we kick off a new series!  Brandon begins our journey through the Disney World hotels with a detailed look at a popular moderate resort -  the Port Orleans Resort: French Quarter and Riverside. Music by Colin Paul

In 2019, Disney opened the gates to their newly created Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lands.  For the first time, fans got to actually ride the legendary Millennium Falcon in a brand new, super high tech attraction.  In this week's episode, we're pulling back the curtains to see how Disney brought such a well known space craft to life. Music by Colin Paul