Disney Parks Podcast Show #864- Disney New For The Week Of March 31, 2025

On today’s Disney Parks Podcast, we have news about the Opening dates for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure, among other things.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #863-Interview With Neil O’Brien, Author of After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company

Neil O’Brien is an accomplished journalist and historian specializing in media and entertainment. With a deep passion for animation history, O’Brien has extensively researched and written about the evolution of the Walt Disney Company, particularly its transformation after the passing of its legendary founder. His book, After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company, offers an in-depth look at the struggles, triumphs, and leadership shifts that shaped Disney in the decades following Walt Disney’s death. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, O’Brien provides a compelling narrative of how Disney Animation survived and eventually flourished, paving the way for a new era of storytelling.

Summary of Key Takeaways from After Disney

• Walt Disney’s Death and Its Impact – Walt Disney’s passing in 1966 left a significant void at Disney Animation. The book explores how the company and its creative teams adapted without his leadership.
• The Aristocats as a Turning Point was the first animated feature produced without Walt’s direct involvement. Its success was crucial in proving that Disney Animation could continue without him.
• Roy Disney’s Role – Roy E. Disney stepped up to guide the company and maintain Disney’s creative vision while implementing business strategies to ensure financial stability.
• The 1970s and 1980s Struggles – The book covers Disney’s challenges, including leadership transitions, financial instability, and creative struggles.
• The Black Cauldron and Creative Risk—The Black Cauldron was an attempt at a darker, more ambitious animated film that faced setbacks, revealing internal conflicts and creative risks.
• The Formation of CalArts’ Character Animation Program – The book highlights how CalArts became a key talent pipeline for Disney Animation and the broader industry.
• The Animation Renaissance – The groundwork laid in the ‘70s and ‘80s led to the Disney Renaissance of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, starting with The Little Mermaid.
• Rise of New Leaders – Figures like Ron Miller and Michael Eisner played pivotal roles in shaping Disney’s future direction.
• Influence on Other Animation Studios – Many animators who trained at Disney went on to establish or work at studios like Pixar and DreamWorks.
• Legacy of Walt’s Influence—Despite leadership changes, Walt Disney’s foundational vision and storytelling principles continued to shape the company.

Where to get the book

AMAZON

Disney Family Museum Tickets

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #862-Disney New For The Week Of March 24, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Three Incredible Dining Experiences Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort, the New Disney Vacation Club Lounge Opens at Magic Kingdom Park, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #861-Disney New For The Week Of March 17, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Bluey Coming to the Parks, BDX Droids Coming to Disney World, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #860-Interview With Donald W. Ballard, Author of Disneyland Hotel Books

Welcome to the Disney Parks Podcast, where we explore the stories behind Disney’s history! Today, we’re joined by Donald W. Ballard, historian and author, whose passion for the Disneyland® Hotel began in the 1970s.

In 1998, he set out to document its rich history, uncovering the visionary work of Jack Wrather, the hotel’s original owner, and his striking parallels to Walt Disney. Through years of research and rare memorabilia, Don has preserved the magic of the hotel’s golden era.

Join us as we dive into his journey, the evolution of the Disneyland® Hotel, and the memories that make it iconic!” Welcome to the show, Donald

Disneyland Book website

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #859-Disney New For The Week Of March 10, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Off-Roading with New Vehicles for car rides coming to the Magic Kingdom, a Sneak Peak at Scary-Good New Monsters, Inc. Coaster, Includes a Vertical Lift at the Studios, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #858-Interview With Lee Pashalopoulos & Mercina Drake about Adding Greece to World Showcase

In today’s show, Lee Pashalopoulos and Mercina Drake discuss Greece as a new country to the World Showcase in Epcot, what this could look like, and what you will find there, too.  

Screenshot

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #857-Disney New For The Week Of March 3, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park celebrating its 30th anniversary, Peter Pan Float Returns to Disney Stars on Parade at Disneyland Paris, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #856-Disney New For The Week Of February 24, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about the New Marvel Experience, Captain Jack Sparrow, Duffy and Friends to Debut on the Disney Adventure, Level 99 ‘social gaming’ coming to Disney Springs, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #855-Disney New For The Week Of February 17, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about 2025 Guide to Season of the Force at Disneyland Park, 9 Hidden Details in the Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years on Broadway Exhibit and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

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