Explore every episode of the podcast Make it Magical: A Disney-centric Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 130: Myth or Fact #2 - Could You Fish in Disneyland's Rivers of America? | 04 Dec 2024 | 01:05:01 | |
It's been awhile since we did one of these Myth or Facts, so to refresh on what we are doing today, Emily has 10 myths (or are they actually true?) and Clayton has to decipher what they are! | |||
| Episode 129: Uncovering the Haunted Mansion (Part 12) - An Unfinished Mansion and the 1964 World's Fair | 27 Nov 2024 | 01:04:39 | |
The moment has finally arrived. The one we’ve all been waiting for. Drumroll please…. The 1964 New York World’s Fair! This would prove to be a moment that would change the course of Disney parks and the Haunted Mansion’s history for the rest of time. This is where we introduce a little something we like to call Audio Animatronics into the mix! From here, Walt would put his faith in 5 men to take the lead on bringing this Haunted Mansion project to completion. Who are these 5 men you might ask? You’ll just have to listen in to get the full scoop. Join us today as we uncover more of the Haunted Mansion! Muahahaha! | |||
| Episode 120: Uncovering the Haunted Mansion (Part 7) - Introducing Rolly Crump and Yale Gracey | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:35:19 | |
This week we just have a mini episode for you, but it’s a can’t miss! We introduce two pivotal figures into this story who were key in furthering the Haunted Mansion’s development. Drumroll please….. these men are none other than Rolly Crump and Yale Gracey. They were hand-selected by Walt for this project because he believed these were the men up for the challenge and would be the perfect dynamic duo to spearhead this spooky attraction. Listen in to learn more about these two men and what exactly Walt saw in them that made him believe they would further bring his Haunted Mansion vision to life. | |||
| Episode 35: Main Street Secrets | 07 Dec 2022 | 01:23:02 | |
Today we talk all things Main Street and all the secrets that go into making it the gateway into your park day. We feel that after you listen to this episode you are going to have so much more appreciation for all the unsaid features that go into opening your Disney day. Get ready cause this episode is packed with tons of secrets, stories, facts, and Main Street history! | |||
| Episode 34: Haunted Mansion Holiday | 30 Nov 2022 | 01:14:15 | |
It’s finally here…the Haunted Mansion Holiday deep dive that was promised long ago has made its way to your podcast app. With Thanksgiving over, we break into Christmas and what better way to start than covering when two holidays collide at Disneyland park. We hope you enjoy this ride breakdown as we, your ghost hosts lead you through the not so jolly but quite holly halls of the Haunted Mansion when old Sandy Claws visits for this seasonal overlay. | |||
| Episode 33: Talking With a Genie+ Expert (ft. special guest @disney_ant) | 23 Nov 2022 | 01:20:47 | |
Big episode for us! Make it Magical is going international for this one! We had the pleasure of being joined by a UK listener and friend of the show. Ant discusses everything from Disneyland Paris, his recent Disney trip, and breaks down everything you need to know about utilizing Genie+ in Walt Disney World. This episode is packed full of helpful tips, tricks, and strategies for making the most out of Genie+ on your trip. | |||
| BONUS Episode: Return of the Iger/A New Hope for Disney | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:46:33 | |
In case you haven’t heard, Iger has returned as CEO of Disney, and fan not favorite Chapek is out. We sit down to discuss our immediate reaction and where we hope the company goes from here in this emergency bonus episode. ENJOY! | |||
| Episode 32: The Santa Clause | 16 Nov 2022 | 01:14:55 | |
Kris Kringle…Pere Noel…Babbo Natale…he goes by many names but he is Santa Clause. In preparation for Tim Allen’s return in the red suit, we break down the Santa Clause and go behind the scenes for all the things that makes this the beloved holiday classic. We hope you grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate, shaken not stirred of course, and join us for some holiday hijinx. | |||
| Episode 31: Genie+ Strikes Back | 09 Nov 2022 | 01:08:29 | |
First we start off on a high note with some VERY exciting updates for us and the podcast, but then we shift gears towards some not so fun Disney news. This week in how Disney has upset its fanbase…with recent news of Genie+ price hikes and that animated movies aren’t for adults, we strap in for another round of hot takes. Brace yourself because we get brutally honest in this one! | |||
| Episode 30: Nightmare Before Christmas (Part 3) | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:56:41 | |
We’ve gone behind the scenes, now it’s time to pick the best of Nightmare Before Christmas and ask some questions that are probably unanswerable. What happens in the other holiday lands? How traumatized is the Easter Bunny? All of this and more in this week's finale of our Nightmare series! | |||
| Episode 29: Nightmare Before Christmas (Part 2) | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:48:47 | |
What’s this, what’s this?!? It’s another Nightmare Before Christmas Episode! Last week we started our celebration into this classic, and today we continue to hail to the Pumpkin King! We further go behind the scenes into what it takes to make the characters come alive on the screen, the release, the times we almost got a sequel and fun Easter eggs. While this may leave an empty place in your bones, don’t fret, we will be back next week to continue our holiday celebration! | |||
| Episode 28: Nightmare Before Christmas (Part 1) | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:53:28 | |
This is Halloween, this is Halloween, time to celebrate a classic tale of when two holidays collide. We kick off our finish to our spooky season celebration by honoring the cult classic, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Originally this was going to be one episode, but you can’t appreciate a classic and stop motion technical achievement in just one episode. In today’s episode, we discuss the history of the Tim Burton poem that would eventually become the heart of the movie, the making of, the amount of amazing work put into the stop motion art form, and who voiced the iconic characters. So please come with us and you will see, this, the glory of this Halloween classic. | |||
| Episode 27: Halloween in the Disney Parks (ft. special guest Karrie!!) | 12 Oct 2022 | 01:19:42 | |
This week is all about spooks, but more specifically spooks that find their way into the Disney parks!! First, we discuss everything there is to know about Halloween happenings at the Disneyland Resort. For the second part of this episode, we are pleased to welcome another friend of the pod, Karrie, to discuss the Halloween parties in the Magic Kingdom! Are you a fan of Halloween in the parks? What do you like most…the treats, the costumes, the entertainment? | |||
| Episode 119: Uncovering the Haunted Mansion (Part 6) - Closing the Chapter on Ken Anderson | 04 Sep 2024 | 01:23:14 | |
Even though saying goodbye is tough, today we are closing the chapter on Ken Anderson’s involvement in Haunted Mansion’s rich history. We uncover the final iteration of his Bloodmere Manor walkthrough storyline where a certain devious character added to the climax of this attraction may just sound familiar enough that it might have you thinking you’ve lost your head. Ken Anderson really needed to sell these story concepts to Walt, so we discuss how he utilized a DIsney Studios soundstage to bring his concepts to life for test audiences. Clayton wasn’t ready for this, so I’ll give you fair warning….spiders are involved. Where did Ken Anderson go from here and why did he leave the project? Listen in to get the full story. | |||
| Episode 26: Our Genie+ Experience | 05 Oct 2022 | 01:09:55 | |
We're taking a small break in spooky season content to uncover our Genie+ experience. When we discussed Genie+ in Episode 20, we said we would test it out on our upcoming Disneyland trip. So listen in as we discuss the positives and negatives of it and try to offer some park day tips to get the most out of it whether you use the service or not. | |||
| Minnie-sode #3 | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:30:29 | |
It’s time for another bonus Minnie-sode where you are the main attraction!! For today’s episode we have 4 stories split amongst 3 stars. All of these stories were so much fun and honestly made us a little jealous but left us feeling nostalgic. We’ve got parade parties, sword in the stone wonders, and behind the scenes action in today's episode. | |||
| Episode 25: Hocus Pocus | 28 Sep 2022 | 01:03:36 | |
It’s another glorious Wednesday morning…makes me sick! It’s Em and Ice (AKA Clayton) today going amuck amuck amuck, discussing a cult favorite Halloween movie. Let us put a spell on you as we go digging deep into the behind the scenes trivia and facts that are surely going to want you to light the black flame candle. Just remember in the end, it's all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! | |||
| Episode 24: A Disneyland Year in Review | 21 Sep 2022 | 01:26:44 | |
Our year has come to an end…our Disney year that is. We were incredibly lucky to be able to go to Disneyland 3 times in the last 12 months and today we discuss our new favorite and least favorite things in the parks. New food, drinks, lands and traditions were added to our Disneyland experience and we wanted to share them. While overall the experiences have generally been positive, we do have some not so positive things in the parks *cough, cough* Genie+, and we cover these shortly first but don’t get too into on this one. Today we are talking about the parks with rose colored glasses. | |||
| Episode 23: D23 Round-Up | 14 Sep 2022 | 01:22:09 | |
This year's D23 Expo has come and gone and we have a glimpse on what is coming for both the Disney Parks, as well as Disney Movies/TV. We cover the updates and give our thoughts on what excites and what disappoints us. A lot of content is slated for our viewing pleasure including new Pixar movies/TV shows, and updates were given for already announced Disney/Marvel/Star Wars movies and TV shows. Not much that is new is announced for the parks, but we got some ideas as to what is coming for the 100th anniversary including new nighttime spectaculars. Were you excited/disappointed by what was announced? Listen in to our takes and let us know your feelings on the announcements. | |||
| Episode 22: Reimagining The Great Movie Ride | 07 Sep 2022 | 01:22:28 | |
If you could imagineer your own Great Movie Ride, what movies would make the cut? We took some inspiration from the original plan to have a Great Movie Ride in most other parks and discuss how we might update the original ride as well as come up with some potential versions that could see the light of day in other Disney parks. If you want to learn more about the history of The Great Movie Ride, we have a series on our Patreon going in depth into the history of the now extinct beloved attraction. As we are in Disneyland this week, we hope you enjoy this pre-recorded episode!!! | |||
| Episode 21: Disneyland Favorites (ft. The Happiest Hour on Earth Podcast!!!!) | 31 Aug 2022 | 01:59:40 | |
Join us for our perfect day in Disneyland with our Disney pals, Chris and Emily from the Happiest Hour on Earth Podcast! After going on their show last week to discuss our favorite refreshments, entertainment, photos and traditions in California Adventure, they come on our show to do the same as we travel around the lands of Disneyland. With so many things to do, what makes the cut for our perfect Disney day? Tune in to find out! | |||
| Bonus Episode: Walt Disney World Trip Update (ft. special guest Stephanie!) | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:38:19 | |
We had the pleasure of being joined by a very special guest for this episode! Stephanie is a huge Disney fan and just came back from her Walt Disney World Trip. She acts as our intrepid field reporter and gives us the inside scoop on her experience of a split stay on property at moderate/deluxe resorts, food, festivals, Genie+, and riding the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for the first time! We discuss all of this and more with her in today's BONUS episode! ENJOY! | |||
| Episode 20: Genie+ | 24 Aug 2022 | 01:50:26 | |
Make sure those lap bars are securely fastened cause today’s episode is a wild one! After covering the history of FastPass last week we step into the ring and try to keep ourselves positive, if at least for the first part to give some tips and tricks to use Genie+ on both coasts. But when we get to the elephant boneyard, we discuss in depth our many issues with the service. It’s a long one so make sure to get your favorite Disney snack and settle in! | |||
| Minnie-sode #2 | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:25:48 | |
Welcome to another surprise bonus Minnie-sode! These episodes give me a chance to let you, the listeners, have YOUR moment to shine. I've got 3 listener stories to share with you today! Be aware that these stories contain more emotional and heavy content than what you may be used to in previous episodes. Trust me, these are ones you don't want to miss hearing! | |||
| Episode 118: Make it Magical's London Era | 28 Aug 2024 | 02:18:46 | |
We're back from London and you wanted to hear all about it so an extra length recap is here going all over London with us! The main event was going to the Eras tour at Wembley but we jammed so much into this short week and we can't wait to tell you about it! | |||
| Episode 19: History of FastPass | 17 Aug 2022 | 01:19:21 | |
Join us today as we try to skip the lines…as we go over the history of Fastpass. We try to keep the Genie+ takes light in this one before entering the ring with it next week. How did the idea for FastPass come about? Why was it such a good deal for park guests and Disney operations? We cover it all, setting the stage for what has come into its place now. | |||
| Episode 18: Splash Mountain (Part 2) | 10 Aug 2022 | 01:18:39 | |
In the second part of our Splash Mountain series, we look into what is unique amongst each version of Splash across the many parks and how Imagineers were able to blend it into two separate lands. Of course, we cannot talk about Splash without talking about the future retheme coming its way and we discuss some of the most common pros/cons that we have seen for it. This wouldn’t be complete without putting on our amateur imagineering hats and coming up with some ideas for what this retheme might look like before we ultimately say goodbye to what is one of our favorite rides. | |||
| Episode 17: Splash Mountain (Part 1) | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:57:01 | |
After covering Song of the South, we begin to examine the history of Splash Mountain from concept to finished ride. What led to its creation? Why is it tied to Song of the South? What does it have to do with the movie Splash starring Tom Hanks? All this and more we cover in the first of our two part series celebrating Splash Mountain. | |||
| Episode 16: Song of the South | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:59:11 | |
With news that Splash Mountain will be rethemed based off of Princess and the Frog, Clayton and I wanted to go over the history of Splash Mountain from inception to its final closure to celebrate its 30+ year run as a crowd favorite. We wanted to start this history by appropriately covering the history of Song of the South, to get a better understanding of what is driving the retheming. Song of the South, which the ride is loosely based on, was released 75 years ago was widely celebrated for its blending of live action and color animation but also widely criticized for its depiction of African Americans. We discuss the background of the movie, Walt Disney’s love for it, the criticism it received and it’s difficult legacy. | |||
| Episode 15: The Walt Disney Family Museum | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:54:50 | |
We kick off this episode with a big announcement of my co-ghost host's involvement on the show. Then, Clayton and I discuss everything you could ever want to know about The Walt Disney Family Museum! We dive into the history behind its creation, our very recent visit, our favorite aspects of the museum, and the new Jungle Book exhibit! If you love Disney history, then this is an episode you won't want to miss! ENJOY! | |||
| Minnie-sode #1 | 15 Jul 2022 | 00:26:16 | |
SURPRISE!! Welcome to the first-ever bonus Minnie-sode where I’ll be sharing stories from the listeners! That’s right, in this episode YOU are the star. Hope you enjoy and if you like these types of episodes please make sure to send in more of your stories! You can email or reach me on my socials! Looking forward to hearing from more of you soon! | |||
| Episode 14: Disney Park Trip Hacks | 13 Jul 2022 | 01:00:14 | |
For this week’s episode, Clayton and I discuss all of our highly classified Disney park trip hacks. We have kept these secret until now… for all of you listeners to enjoy! Hope these can help make your next Disney trips more enjoyable! If YOU have any special trip hacks you want us to share with fellow listeners, please email or reach out on my socials (listed below). | |||
| Episode 13: Tangled vs. Frozen | 06 Jul 2022 | 01:22:46 | |
Big episode this week! Two treasured Disney animated films enter, but only one will remain victorious! That’s right, this is a showdown between which is the better movie…. Tangled or Frozen?!? Follow along as we (myself and Clayton) break down each movie into several key categories. | |||
| Episode 12: Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser | 29 Jun 2022 | 01:05:01 | |
Now that the original hype for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (otherwise referred to as the Star Wars Hotel) has died down, figure this is the best time to dedicate an entire episode to it! Clayton and I discuss everything from the drama/controversy behind its opening, what’s included, strengths and weaknesses, whether we’re interested in this kind of experience, and finally we put on our Imagineering caps to propose our ideas on improving the Starcruiser. Don’t worry! This episode is SPOILER FREE! | |||
| Episode 11: Secrets of the Disney Parks (Part 2) | 22 Jun 2022 | 00:51:05 | |
For this week’s episode, I’ll continue this intro into the world of Disney park secrets! My focus will shift towards secrets more specific to each coast. I’m getting much more in-depth than last week with 4 Disneyland secrets and 3 Walt Disney World secrets. Stick around until the very end to hear some exciting news about my Patreon exclusive bonus content! | |||
| Episode 117: Uncovering the Haunted Mansion (Part 5) - Bloodmere Manor | 14 Aug 2024 | 01:00:35 | |
Spooky tales are abound today as we unveil Ken Anderson’s next proposed concept for the Haunted Mansion. This one focuses on the story of Bloodmere Manor. Prepare yourself for more hairy arms, lonesome ghosts, creepy phone calls, and your host…. Walt Disney? Wait, are you serious? Yes, even Walt somehow gets a starring role in this spooktacular storyline all thanks to Ken Anderson (he knows things). You’ll just have to listen to uncover it all with us! Trust us, we’re dying to have you! Muahahahaha! | |||
| Episode 10: Secrets of the Disney Parks (Part 1) | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:47:11 | |
There’s so much to unpack with secrets behind the Disney parks, so I had to break this up into 2 episodes! For part 1, I cover more general secrets applicable to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This is the perfect introduction to park secrets for anyone or even the biggest of Disney fans! Look out for next week’s episode where I’ll discuss further secrets that are specific to each coast. | |||
| Episode 9: Overrated vs. Underrated - Disneyland and Disney World Rides | 08 Jun 2022 | 01:11:31 | |
Extra, extra! Listen all about it! For today’s episode, my co-ghost host and I discuss which rides we consider to be overrated and underrated in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Expect lots of laughs, some disagreements, and several hot takes! This episode’s one wild ride! | |||
| Episode 8: Walt Disney World Trip Report/Flower and Garden Festival (ft. special guest Taylor Lewis!!) | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:45:44 | |
For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of being joined by Taylor Lewis from the Not So Rare Podcast. As a fellow Disney fanatic, Taylor shares her perspective of how living with a rare disease impacts her Disney parks trips. Join us as we discuss her most recent Walt Disney World trip experience utilizing Disney’s Disability Access Service program, seeing Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival for the first time, and dining at some popular locations on property. | |||
| Episode 7: Mistakes to Avoid in the Disney Parks | 25 May 2022 | 01:03:08 | |
For today’s episode, I am once again joined by my co-ghost host husband as we discuss 10 mistakes we’ve made in both Disneyland and Disney World over the years. These are simply our opinions and may not apply to everyone. We are constantly adjusting and learning new ways to improve our trips. Hope that by sharing our experiences it’ll help make your trips even more magical! I’d love to hear about any and all mistakes you have personally made in the parks too! | |||
| Episode 6: All Started With a Mouse (Part 2) | 18 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Today’s episode will pick up where I left off in Part 1. I’ll conclude Mickey Mouse’s history with topics including how his design/personality/voice have evolved over the years, his influence on the Disney parks, and Oswald’s reintroduction back into the Disney Company. | |||
| Episode 5: All Started With a Mouse (Part 1) | 11 May 2022 | 00:27:38 | |
If the title didn’t already give it away, today’s episode is all about the history of the one that started it all, Mickey Mouse! OH BOY! I’ll cover everything from Mr. Mouse’s creation to his rise in fame. This is a story that every Disney fan should hear and I guarantee you’ll learn something new! | |||
| Episode 4: CA Adventure Food and Wine Festival | 04 May 2022 | 00:42:21 | |
My recurring co-ghost host husband, Clayton, makes his debut in today's episode! You'll learn his Disney story before we jump into our first experience visiting CA Adventure's Food and Wine Festival. What's included in the festival? What was our favorite snack? Would we go again? Which version of Soarin' is better?!? We'll answer all of these questions and more! | |||
| Episode 3: Top Disney Animated Films | 27 Apr 2022 | 00:35:47 | |
This episode is all about the movies! Join me as I reveal my top 10 Disney animated films. There are some obvious choices, but there's also a few that will be more surprising to make it into that coveted top 10 position. I have of course saved my all time favorite movie for last! Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to Disney movies, so please share your favorites with me on my socials! | |||
| Episode 2: Reasons to Love the Disney Parks | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:36:18 | |
Today's episode is all about my love for the Disney Parks! I'll dive into my top 10 reasons for why the parks mean so much to me. Some reasons might be more obvious while others have a much deeper connection to myself. Sit back and get to know about this Disney nerd a little bit better. | |||
| Episode 1: Introducing Me | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:08:50 | |
As I begin this new journey into the world of podcasting, join me in discussing all things Disney. This episode will give you a look into who I am, what this podcast is all about, and why I decided to begin this exciting adventure! | |||
| Episode 116: Uncovering the Haunted Mansion (Part 4) - Captain Gore and the First Haunted Mansion Storyline | 07 Aug 2024 | 01:17:54 | |
Welcome, foolish mortals, to the next chapter of our Haunted Mansion deep dive series. We kindly invite you join us today as we take you on a detailed journey through Ken Anderson’s first conceived storyline for Disneyland’s very own walk-through Haunted House. Things are about to get real spooky and swashbuckling, as we tell you the tale of the Legend of Captain Gore. This concept was entirely mapped out from start to finish in unbelievable detail. Ken Anderson had a fully formed backstory, walk-through layout, countless pieces of concept art and an entire script outlined. Let us Ghost Hosts be your guide as we help you visualize what it would have been like to experience this never realized attraction. | |||
| Episode 115: Epcot's Past, Present and Future ft. Pirates of the Polynesian | 31 Jul 2024 | 01:13:31 | |
Today we’re not just talking about any old theme park. We’re covering one that’s extra special and was born with a purpose and optimism of the future in mind. We call it… EPCOT! But we couldn’t do this alone, we had to bring in some help. We have the pleasure of being joined by our two swashbuckling friends, Greg and Cori from @piratesofthepolynesian. We talk the past, the present, and the future of EPCOT. | |||
| Episode 114: What's It Like Working on Disney Cruise Line ft. Caitlin | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:58:59 | |
We had the pleasure to sit down with Caitlin who is a Disney Cruise castmember and talk about what it is like working for the cruise line. She is currently a member of cruise staff who are responsible for all the fun activities around the ship! | |||
| Episode 113: Clayton Watches The Fox and the Hound (Part 2) | 10 Jul 2024 | 01:33:14 | |
It’s time to end our Fox and the Hound discussion by covering more stories, drama, and fun facts behind this Disney animated feature! But most importantly, we finish off this episode with the moment we’ve been waiting for…. Did Clayton’s heart shatter upon watching this film for the first time? Brace yourselves friends, because we’re talking about THAT scene today (you know, the one that emotionally scarred Emily as a child and for the rest of her life). What are Clayton’s overall thoughts on the film? Is Fox and the Hound better than he expected? Where does it rank in the Disney animated library? Join as us we have an in-depth discussion on all of this and more! | |||